LAUSR

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is a common, well known association in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). However, there are no published studies on the prevalence of VDD among CKDu (Chronic Kidney Disease of uncertain etiology) patients. This study aims to study on Vitamin D status of CKDu patients. This was a cross sectional survey conducted in Wilgamuwa area, in Mathale located in Central province of Sri Lanka. Among the 39 GN (Grama Niladahri) divisions at Wilgamuwa, GN divisions where the CKD prevalence was high areas were taken for the study. Data were collected by using clinical examination and interviewer administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS statistical software A total of 150 patients living in a CKDu endemic area in Sri Lanka was studied during the study period. Majority (n=118, 78.7%) of the CKDu patients were males. Mean age (years) was 56.75±7.89 and 54.34±7.87 for females and males respectively. More than half of the patients were middle aged outdoor workers. According to the BMI (Body mass index) results, majority (n= 87, 58%) of the CKDu patients were in the healthy weight category. More than one third of the patients were in the underweight category. VDD (<20ng/mL) was reported in 22.88% (n=27) of the total males and 68.75% (n=22) of the total females. Vitamin D insufficiency (20-30ng/mL) was identified among 45.76% (n=54) males and 25% (n=8) females. Rest of the males (31.35, n=37) and females (6.25%, n=2) had normal vitamin D level (>30 ng/mL). As a summary the mean Vitamin D level was 24.85 ±7.93 ng/mL. There was a significant different in the prevalence of VDD between gender groups (p = 0.004). VDD is more common (82%) during the early stages of CKDu while less common during the late stage. However, there is no any significant association between the prevalence of VDD and CKDu stage (p=0.183). VDD is more commonly encountered complication in during the early stages of CKDu and it was significantly high in male CKDu patients compared to females.