Vitamin D Deficiency in Chronic Liver Disease: Prevalence, Risk Factors and Clinical Implications

Mesum Raza; Sofia Ahmed; Iftikhar Ahsan; Muhammad Abdul Ur Rehman; Muhammad Hamza Riaz; Aisha Butt

doi:10.70749/ijbr.v3i3.793

Authors

Mesum Raza Social Security Hospital, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Sofia Ahmed Vordingborg Hospital – Psykiatrien Syd, Denmark.
Iftikhar Ahsan Lahore General Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan.
Muhammad Abdul Ur Rehman Sheikh Zayed Teaching Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan.
Muhammad Hamza Riaz Social Security Teaching Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan.
Aisha Butt Services Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70749/ijbr.v3i3.793

Keywords:

Vitamin D Deficiency, Chronic Liver Disease, Prevalence, Clinical Implications

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a common issue in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD), particularly those with cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and chronic viral hepatitis. Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in CLD patients, identify associated risk factors, and explore the clinical implications of the deficiency. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Social Security Teaching Hospital Lahore during July 2024 to December 2024. A total of 178 patients with chronic liver disease were included in the study. The analysis integrated both medical records with laboratory test results. A comprehensive clinical evaluation included numerous factors, including the nature and length of liver disease, plus patients' lifestyle behavior and their consumption of sunlight and intake of vitamin D supplements. Results: The study examined 178 patients; the results showed that 109 (61%) patients had vitamin D deficiency, whereas 37 (21%) patients had vitamin D insufficiency, while 32 (18%) patients received sufficient vitamin D levels. The presence of vitamin D deficiency reached its peak at 70% in patients with cirrhosis, while those with NAFLD had a prevalence rate of 54%, and chronic viral hepatitis patients had 60% deficiency cases. Conclusion: The risk factors associated with vitamin D deficiency included advanced stages of liver disease based on Child-Pugh score together with high BMI, minimal exposure to sunlight, and inadequate vitamin D consumption. This study demonstrates the need for regular vitamin D deficiency tests among CLD patients because such insufficiency leads to grave medical outcomes that affect bone strength and muscular control and boost disease susceptibility.

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