Systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with chronic pancreatitis

Background/objectives: Patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) are at risk of malnutrition due to malabsorption, pain and/or alcohol consumption. This can cause vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency, which is associated with osteoporosis and increased risks of fractures. We aimed to perform a meta-analysis to determine the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in CP patients. Furthermore, we compared these results with healthy controls. Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on the literature by searching PubMed and EMBASE (January 2000-December 2015) on CP and vitamin D. Primary outcome was prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (<75 nmoL/L) and deficiency (<50 nmoL/L) in CP patients. When available, data of CP patients were compared with healthy controls. Results: Nine studies were included in our meta-analysis, reporting on the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency in 465 patients (mean age 41 years (range 18-60), 81% male) and in 378 controls (mean age 40 years (range 18-67), 76% male). Pooled prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in CP patients was 83% and 65%, respectively. Calculated odds ratio (OR) of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency between CP patients and controls was 1.34 (0.54-3.29) and 1.14 (0.70-1.85), respectively (p > 0.05). Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in CP patients. Nevertheless, there is no significant difference in prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency compared to healthy controls. Further research should indicate the clinical relevance and consequences of these findings for clinical practice. (C) 2016 IAP and EPC. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.