Background: Falls represent a significant risk factor for morbidity and mortality in US adults. While Vitamin D deficiency is proposed to play a role in fall risk, the present body of research is inconclusive.
Methods: This retrospective chart review analyzed the risk of fall in vitamin D deficient adults who presented to a tertiary care hospital for a fall compared to vitamin D deficient adults who did not fall. A total of 301 participants were identified and analyzed via electronic health record. All patients were 18 years and older at presentation and had a vitamin D level drawn within 6 months before or 6 months after presentation. Vitamin D deficiency was analyzed based on severity of deficiency defined as: Within Normal Limits (>30 nmol/L), Mild (20-30 nmol/L), Moderate (12-20 nmol/L) and Severe (< 12 nmol/L). Comorbidities of hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, CKD Stages 1-3 or unspecified, and ambulatory dysfunction were analyzed as cofounders.
Results: Among all patients, frequency of falls was 22.9%. There was no significant difference in mean vitamin D levels between those who fell and those who did not fall (p = 0.705). Chi-square testing showed that the average age of patients who fell was significantly higher than those who did not fall (p < 0.001). Significantly increased risk of fall was also observed in patients with CKD (p = 0.008) and ambulatory dysfunction (p = 0.024). In multivariable logistic regression analysis age >65 years old was the only variable independently associated with increased risk of fall with older adults having 3.73 times greater odds of falling (OR = 3.73; 95% CI: 1.98-7.01; p < 0.001).
Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency does not appear to be a significant risk factor for falls in adults who presented to a tertiary care hospital. Increased risk related to age aligns with current knowledge of fall risks. Our findings expand the current body of research to include vitamin D deficient patient who require hospital care post-fall.