| Sub-title | |
| Authors | S Vella M J Cachia |
| Abstract | Hypovitaminosis D is associated with poor dietary intake and inadequate sunlight exposure. Elderly institutionalized patients as well as veiled women are at an increased risk of hypovitaminosis D. Several studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency in elderly people enhances bone mass loss. Severe hypocalcaemia complicating hypovitaminosis D may manifest with tetany, and increases the risk of seizures. We present a short series of such Maltese patients, highlighting an unexpected cause of hypocalcaemia in a sun drenched archipelago. |
Published in: | |
| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | 15 Issue 1-2/suppl. 2003 |
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| Key words | case report, hypocalcaemia, sunlight, hypovitaminosis D |