Hipovitaminosis D en pacientes hospitalizados por trastornos por consumo de sustancias en Unidad de Adicciones del Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile
Hypovitaminosis D in patients hospitalized for substance use disorders in the Addictions Unit of the Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile
Rev. Hosp. Clin. Univ. Chile; 28 (2), 2017
Publication year: 2017
The pathological consumption of alcohol and other drugs is associated with calcium metabolism
disfunction through different pathways. Hypovitaminosis D contributes to acute a chronic
neuronal injury in alcohol dependent patients. We do not have national evidence regarding the
presence of hypovitaminosis D in addicted patients and there is a lack of information in the
literature regarding polysubstance users. In this retrospective study, we evaluate the presence
of hypovitaminosis of D in Substance Use Disorder inpatients treated in the Psychiatric Clinic
of the University during the months of August to November 2017 and we described their
main characteristics. 24 patients were evaluated, 19 of whom presented levels lower than 30
ng/ml of Vitamin D. Of those patients with hypovitaminosis 79% were men and 90% of them
consumed alcohol, although in only 26% alcohol was the main substance. The main substance
reported by the patients was cocaine (37%), smokable cocaine (32%) and marijuana (5%).
Despite the methodological limitations of the study and the high prevalence of Hypovitaminosis
D reported in the Chilean population, the results of this study suggest the need for a systematic
evaluation of Vitamin D levels in patients hospitalized for addictions to adequately supplement
those who require it. (AU)