STUDY OF VITAMIN D LEVELS IN WOMEN WITH ABNORMAL UTERINE BLEEDING

Abstract

Introduction: Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is defined as bleeding from the uterine corpus that is abnormal in duration, volume, frequency and/or regularity. AUB accounts for half of the gynecologic problems amon women. The underlying factors that cause AUB and/or AUB itself may have potential for long term health consequences, decrease life quality and day to day activities. Aim and Objectives: to measure the serum levels of Vitamin D in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding. Materials and Methods: We included the women of reproductive age 18-45 yaers. Detailed history was taken regarding the symptoms of thyroid disorders, menstrual history, obstetric history, past medical history, family history, personal and social history. General examination was done. Body temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate was noted. Systemic examination of the cardiovascular system (CVS), central nervous system (CNS), respiratory system and thyroid gland was done. Weight was measured in kilograms and height in meter, BMI was calculated using the formula weight in Kg/Height in metre square. Those who had BMI 18 to 24 were normal, BMI <18 kg/m2 were considered as undernourished and BMI >25 kg/m2 were considered overweight. Under aseptic precautions 3 mL of random blood sample was drawn and subjected for centrifugation and serum is separated and was used for Vitamin D levels estimation. Vitamin D levels were estimated by chemiluminescence immuno assay. Results and Discussion: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at our hospital. A total of 100 women presented to OPD with abnormal uterine bleeding in the age group of 18-45 years were enrolled. They were divided into two groups, Group A Cases: women with AUB and Group B: healthy women. Cases: women with abnormal uterine bleeding and controls: women without AUB. The mean age in cases and controls were 31.64±2.32 and 32.46±1.64 respectively. We assessed BMI for both cases and controls, it is  found that 64% had normal BMI and 32% were overweight in cases and in control group 88% had normal BMI and 12% were overweight. Vitamin D levels were measured in both cases and controls, it is found that the mean vitamin D levels in cases and controls were 16.24 ± 3.22 and
30.43 ± 7.89 respectively. It is clearly indicating that cases had decreased vitamin D levels in comparison with controls. This difference was statistically highly significant. Conclusion: In the present study we found decreased levels of vitamin D in women presenting
with abnormal uterine bleeding. It is very logical to check for vitamin D at the baseline itself when women presents to OPD with abnormal uterine bleeding. This clearly indicates that the therapeutic approach should be directed towards supplementation of Vitamin D in reproductive women with abnormal uterine bleeding.