1678 – Do vitamin d levels in bipolar and schizophenia outpatients differ? outcome of a dutch cross-sectional study

Introduction Itzhaky (2012) found significantly lower vitamin D level in patients with schizophrenia than in healthy controls. Objective Measurement of vitamine-D in bipolar and schizophrenia/schizoaffective outpatients. Aims Determining the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in outpatients with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder in the Netherlands. Method Outpatients in the Alkmaar region aged 18w65 years with a bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder were asked to add vitamin D levels determination to the annual standard blood sample taking. Results 111 patients, 54 with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder and 57 with bipolar disorder, participated. 58 (53%) was male, mean age 47 (SD 9.9) years. 64 (58%) showed vitamin-D insufficiency ( 50 had a serum level between 30–50 nmol/l. No significant differences were found between bipolar disorder and schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder. Conclusion To prevent osteoporosis, vitamin D supplementation is advised with vitamin D-levels below 30nmol/l or below 50 in women >50 years and men >70 years, (Dutch Health Council). Using to this criterion 39 patients (35%) of the study-population needed vitamine-D supplement. If confirmed, addition of vitamine-D levels to the annual somatic screening of patients with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder is indicated. Limitation: the impact of the season on vitamine-D levels was not corrected for in either population.