Falls relate to vitamin D and parathyroid hormone in an Australian nursing home and hostel

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether falling relates to serum levels of vitamin D and parathyroid hormone. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study with retrospective analysis. SETTING: An aged-care institution in Melbourne Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Ambulant nursing home and hostel residents (n = 83). MEASUREMENTS: Frequency of falling, frequency of going outdoors, use of cane or walker, age, sex, weight, type of accommodation, and duration of residence. Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Plasma concentrations of albumin, calcium, phosphate, and creatinine. Use of furosemide or non-benzodiazepine anticonvulsants. RESULTS: Median age of resi..