Hypovitaminosis D among rheumatology outpatients in clinical practice

Objectives. A role for vitamin D in the pathogenesis of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases is emerging. We undertook an audit of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) investigation and treatment in rheumatology outpatients. Methods. Serum 25OHD requests were matched to electronic medical records from rheumatology and metabolic bone clinics (April 2006–March 2007). Data were analysed separately for two groups, ‘Documented osteoporosis/osteopaenia’ (Group 1) and ‘General rheumatology outpatients’ (Group 2, sub-divided by diagnosis). Hypovitaminosis D was defined by 25OHD levels