Ileostomy Vitamin D deficiency a b s t r a c t Background: Vitamin D deficiency is commonly seen in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Vitamin D deficiency in IBD patients with ileostomy has not been systemically studied. The aim of the study was to assess the frequency and risk factors associated with low 25(OH) D 3 levels in those patients. Methods: 112 eligible IBD patients with ileostomy were studied. Demographic, clinical, and endoscopic variables were analyzed. Vitamin D

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... s before and after ileostomy were compared when available. Levels of serum 25(OH)D 3 <20 ng/mL were classed as being deficient. Results: 112 eligible ileostomy patients were included. The mean vitamin D level was 21.47 ± 1.08 ng/dl. Low levels of vitamin D (<30 ng/dl) were present in 92 patients (82%). Vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/dL) was seen in 55 patients (49%). There was no difference between patients with or without vitamin D deficiency regarding demographic variables, medication use and duration of ileostomy. Neo-ileal inflammation on endoscopy was not associated with vitamin D deficiency (p = 0.155). Lower levels of phosphorus (p = 0.020) or hemoglobin (p = 0.019) and shorter duration of IBD (p = 0.047) were found in patients with vitamin D deficiency. In multivariate analysis, lower levels of phosphorus (odds ratio [OR]: 1.83, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-2.89, p = 0.009) and hemoglobin (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.08-1.60, p = 0.006) remained significantly associated with vitamin D deficiency. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is common in IBD patients with ileostomy and is associated with low hemoglobin levels. Further studies are needed to evaluate vitamin D supplementation as a possible adjuvant in the treatment of anemia of chronic disease in IBD patients.