Low serum vitamin D levels as a risk factor for peptic ulcer development in Iraqi patients
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60988/p.v37i2S.221Keywords:
peptic ulcer; vitamin D; H. pylori; duodenum endoscopy; gastric ulcerAbstract
The pathophysiology of peptic ulcer (PU) involves a multifactorial interplay between gastric acid secretion, mucosal barrier integrity, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, and the modulatory effects of various nutrients on the ulcer onset and severity. This cross-sectional study aimed at investigating whether PU pathophysiology and severity are associated with serum vitamin D levels. A total of 110 individuals aged 20–65 years were enrolled. Blood samples were collected between July and October 2024 from patients attending the Morgan Teaching Hospital and the Imam Sadiq Hospital in the Babil Province, Iraq. Following upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, participants were stratified into two groups: those without PU (N=40) and those diagnosed with PU (N=70). Each participant provided 5 mL of venous blood for vitamin D quantification and biochemical profiling. Among the PU patients, females were more prevalent (55.7%). Body mass index (BMI) was lower in the PU group. Vitamin D deficiency was significantly more frequent in PU patients (75.7%) compared to controls (32.5%), with mean serum vitamin D levels markedly reduced (14.61 ± 6.74 ng/mL vs. 26.22 ± 9.00 ng/mL). H. pylori infection was more common in PU patients (58.6%). Additionally, PU patients exhibited elevated lipid profile parameters. No statistically significant sex-based differences were observed within either group. In conclusion, serum vitamin D levels appear to be a strong predictor of PU severity, suggesting a potential role for vitamin D status in PU pathogenesis and clinical management.
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