Vitamin D status in hemodialysis; current opinions

Abstract

The adverse clinical implications of vitamin D (vitD) deficiency in hemodialysis (HD) patients are widespread and include bone mineral disorders, cardiovascular disease, infections, and mortality. For example, low vitD values are connected with a heightened risk of fractures, osteomalacia, and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Additionally, low vitD levels have been linked to increased arterial stiffness, left ventricular hypertrophy, and heart failure in HD patients. Moreover, vitD deficiency has been connected with an intensified risk of infections, particularly respiratory tract infections, in HD patients. Finally, multiple studies have found an association between low vitD levels and increased mortality in HD patients.