Frequently Asked Questions

The information provided is for informational purposes only, and you should always consult with a professional provider for health related issues.

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Dr. Wimalawansa, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A., FRCPath., CCD, CRCP, MACDS, MRCS, FACP, FACE, FCCP, FRCP, DSc

What is vitamin D deficiency?

Vitamin D insufficiency: Measured serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels  less than 30 ng/mL. Vitamin D deficiency: Measured serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels  less than 20 ng/mL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91dH0-2CXoA

1. Worldwide estimates of vitamin D deficiency:

This estimate was based on each counties and/or regions that reported the incidence of vitamin D insufficiency (<30ng/mL) and deficiency (<20 ng/mL), multiplied by the given number of population in the country or the region.  My estimates for vitamin D deficiency is approximately 2.3 billion and deficiency + insufficiency (the total) estimated is about 3.5 billion in the world.  This comes to about 50% of the world’s population.  

2. “What is all the hype about vitamin D deficiency these days?” 

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is rising worldwide and approaching epidemic proportions, and most common among the vulnerable groups and elderly.  Yet vast majorities of individuals have an undiagnosed and untreated vitamin D deficiency. 

This is a real issues, which is getting worse; it has n been neglected for a while.  This is consequently to a combination of several factors, but predominantly due to inadequate sun-exposure.  Most patients who need vitamin D supplements are either not given or provide inadequate doses.  Moreover, long-term adherence to oral supplementation is poor.  Measurement of serum 25(OH)D is the most reliable way to evaluate vitamin D status. 

Vitamin D deficiency is the most under-diagnosed and perhaps the most common medical condition in the world.  Many estimate that more than 2 billion people worldwide across all ethnic and age groups have vitamin D deficiency.  Many individuals in industrialized countries, especially in the northern hemisphere, have low serum vitamin D levels.  Recent literature on vitamin D is full of controversies on its measurements, diagnosis, benefits, and the management of deficiency. 

3. What are the reasons that we need adequate amounts of vitamin D?

Severe vitamin D deficiency leads to rickets in childhood and osteomalacia in adults.  Low vitamin D levels may aggravate a variety of non-skeletal disorders including cancer, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, infectious diseases, and autoimmune disorders.  In addition to enhancing calcium absorption from the intestine and mineralization of the osteoid tissue, vitamin D is important in many other physiological effects, including neuro-modulation, muscle strength and coordination, release of insulin, immune health.  For example, cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are increased in patients with all levels of renal dysfunction, especially in those with low serum vitamin D levels. 

Inadequate serum 25(OH)D concentrations are associated with decreased performance and an increased propensity to falls and fractures secondary to muscle weakness and poor neuromuscular coordination. 

4. Why vitamin D deficiency is common around the world including US?  

Ultraviolet rays provide more than 80% of our vitamin D requirement; diet and supplements can augment it.  The two major causes of vitamin D deficiency are the lack of exposure to sunlight and less than adequate dietary intakes. 

5. What are the main health issues associated with vitamin D deficiency? 

Widespread vitamin D deficiency may be related to the increasing incidences of cancer, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease remains to be determined.  However, the relationship of vitamin D to the skeletal and non-skeletal systems and the significance of non-classic functions and targets of vitamin D need further studies.  

6. What is osteopenia and what is osteoporosis? 

These definitions based on the World Health Organization (WHO) classifications.  Bone Mineral Density (BMD) is measures by Dual Energy Absorptiometry (DXA) testing.  Results are expressed as T-scores (variation of standard deviations from the mean/normal (T-score 0 is considered as normal.  Between -1.5 and <2.5 are considered as osteopenia; and ≤2.5 and/or anyone with a fragility fractures are considered of having osteoporosis. 

A considerable number of patients with osteopenia and osteoporosis would also have vitamin D deficiency which most of the time undiagnosed by physicians.  This is because “low bone density” is commonly equvated with osteoporosis and, thereby ignores the possibility of having osteomalacia and vitamin D deficiency.  In the absence of correcting  of vitamin D deficiency first, A). None of the osteoporosis medications would work effectively, and B). Patients in fact, may be harmed by treating with these drugs.  Therefore, diagnosis and treatment of vitamin D deficiency, before a physician prescribe an anti-osteoporosis medication in all patients is paramount.

7. How important is this concern for women and children affected by TS?

We do not know.  No information or reliable research data are available on vitamin D status or response rates in women and children with Turners syndrome.  We do need research in this area.  All we know is that due to hormonal deficiencies, patients with Turners syndrome have lower bone mass with age-matched population. 

8. Does human growth hormone impact bone health?  

Yes, very much so.  However, the use of Growth Hormone to treat osteoporosis is not a good option.  Too expensive and has too much adverse effects; hence unjustifiable therapy for osteoporosis.

9. Does hormone replacement therapy impact bone health?

Absolutely.  For example, girls with delayed puberty and women who had premature menopause will have low BMD, and have a tendency to have fractures early than others.  Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) had been a main stray of therapy for osteoporosis for decades,  for women age between 55 and 65 years,  However, as a results of poorly designed and interpreted Women’s Health Institute study, many physicians now do not use HRT as a main line therapy. 

10. What is the method of assessment? Interval for rescreening? 

BMD is best assessed by using DXA technology, which is widely available in North America.  However, as a result of decreasing its reimbursement by the CMS to about ~28% of what was used to be three years ago, many of the DXA facilities are now being closed,; thus preventing access to care for our elderly  population.  This is in spite on only 20% of the eligible Medical postmenopausal women actually have had DXA testing done. Consequently, fracture rates are likely to increase in the years to come that would significantly increase the costs to the CMS (rather than decreasing the costs by cutting reimbursements).

Postmenopausal women above 55 years and men over 65 years should have a screening DXA done.   Medicare/CMS recommend conducting BMD testing every other year. 

11. Can bone loss be improved? 

Most certainly with, A). Identification of those who are at risk, including carrying out BMD testing, B). Identification and eliminating secondary cause of bone losses, C). Correcting calcium and vitamin D deficiency, D). Teaching and engaging in a weight-bearing (not weight–lifting) exercise program, and E) In selected patients, treatment with specific anti-osteoporosis therapy. 

12. Am I at risk if osteoporosis affected my immediate family member?

One third of the risks of osteoporoses and associated fractures are genetically driven.  Especially, mother or grandmother having osteoporosis or a hip fracture would increase the risks of having a osteoporotic fracture in the sibling.

13. What can I do to maintain good bone health?

Refer to item #12; Overall healthy life style with a balanced diet, avoiding smoking, alcohol and excess salt intake, and engaging in adequate exercises would decrease osteoporosis risks.

14. How can diet impact long-term bone health?

What you eat is what you are.  Diet provides al the ingredients that is necessary for healthy bones; and b the body will provide necessary hormones, and the person is responsible for the weight-bearing exercises.

High protein consumption does not necessarily mean that it causes an internal acid production in the body.  Internal body acidity (pH) is very tightly controlled by several mechanisms; in fact evolutionary, designed to protect us.  The statements made such as, “drinking milk can cause osteoporosis” are erroneous.  In fact, there are a large number of studies in children and in adults demonstrating the beneficial effects of milk consumption on bone and in general health. 

There seems to be a misconception that measurable acidity of the foods (e.g. oranges or tomato) that we consume causes “internal” acid environment.  In contrast, generation of internal acidity depends on the “type” of protein consumed, especially those containing disproportionate amounts of sulphur-containing, hence “acid-generating” amino acids.  This cannot be simply compartmentalized into vegetarian diets vs. animal protein, or milk diet.  Attached article explains and clarifies these myths.  I encourage reading several original articles from Dr. Susan New, in this regard. 

The typical North American diet consists of high intake of animal protein together with a low intake of vegetables.  Such is generally associates with chronic, low-grade metabolic acidosis.  The sulfur-containing amino acids, cysteine and methionine are non-polar and hydrophobic, and predominantly present in meat protein.  These sulfur-containing amino acids when oxidized, generate high acid-loads, relative to base products obtained from the consumption of fruits and vegetables.  This sub-clinical metabolic acidosis promotes calcium mobilization from the bone and increase urinary calcium losses; acid-load effect.  Ingestion of high meat proteins (not milk  or vegetable proteins) increase urinary calcium excretion, raise parathyroid hormone levels and markers of bone turnover.  Markers of bone formation however, remain steady, suggesting that high protein/predominant meat diets increase bone resorption without increasing bone formation (i.e., overall negative).  Excess consumption of such in the long-term may lead to increase bone loss and fractures. 
Milk contains calcium, vitamin D as well as protein; all these are essential ingredients for bone formation and maintenance of skeletal health.  Globally, calcium and vitamin D intakes are far less than optimal, including in the majority of North American population.  Worldwide, more than half the population is not getting these three elements that are essential for skeletal health.  For these people, milk is the backbone of their health that provides essential dietary ingredients for survival.  In most western countries, milk is fortified with small amounts of vitamin D (~100 IU per glass of milk); which in fact can be safely, double.  For various reasons, a significant proportion of population, especially African-Americans do not consume adequate amounts of milk.  Therefore to help them, it is important to consider fortifying other foods such as bread and cereal with vitamin D.

Nevertheless, overall, the results of epidemiologic studies of association between dietary protein intake and BMD, rates of change in BMD and risk for hip fracture have been inconclusive.  Protein under-nutrition is a common feature in older people and an important additional risk factor for increased propensity to falls leading to osteoporotic fracture.  Data suggest that in the elderly and in malnourished populations, any protein supplementation would reduce this risk.  In this regard, vegetable and milk proteins are friendlier to the skeleton than meat proteins.

More detail information on calcium, vitamin D and general nutrition/protein are illustrated in the book entitled, “Vitamin D: All you need to know”, (publisher, Karu & Sons)

http://www.vitamindwiki.com/tiki-index.php?page=Vitamin+D%3A+Everything+You+Need+to+Know+-+book+Spring+2012

http://www.vitamindwiki.com/tiki-index.php?page_id=2382  

15. How to know that someone is deficient and how do you like to describe serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] greater than 30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L) to public?

There is compelling scientific and epidemiologic data suggesting that the humans requires a minimum blood level of 25(OH)D above 30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L) for health.  Although controversy exists of the definition of low normal vitamin D status, there is increasing agreement that the lower limit of the circulating 25(OH)D level is to be approximately 30 to 32 ng/mL.  .  Due to the high safety margin and the variability in measurements of serum 25(OH)D levels, to assure adequate serum vitamin D levels, a value around 40 ng/ml would be useful for maintenance.  The optimum level is between 30 and 40 ng/mL.  Levels up to 60 ng/mL (150 nmol/L) are safe and in fact may be necessary to sustain the non-skeletal beneficial effects of vitamin D. 

16. What will be your advice to people who normally do not expose to enough sun light to naturally produce vitamin D?

Obtaining vitamin D via diet is not easy.  Only fatty fish like salmon have higher amounts of vitamin D.  Among the vegetable, irradiated mushrooms have a high contents of vitamin D.

An additional 1,000 IU of vitamin D/day is generally sufficient for lighter-skinned individuals, whereas older people and dark-skinned individuals may need an extra 2,000 IU/day to maintain normal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels, of over 30 ng/nL (50 nmol/L). 

Better compliance seems to occur with supplementation with 50,000 or 100,000 IU doses administered once a month.  Such a maintenance dose can be commenced following a therapeutic loading dose of 50,000 IU of vitamin D given once or twice a week for few weeks.  Such a regimen is efficacious and safe in replenishment of vitamin D storage in the body and maintaining optimal serum 25(OH)D levels.  American endocrine society guidelines indicate the upper safety limit of intake of vitamin D as 10,000 IU/day

17. What will be your advice to people who have diseases (obesity, cancer, and digestive problems) that can reduce vitamin D levels in the body?

Although no consensus exists, many endocrinologists and bone specialists prefer to keep their patients’ serum vitamin D levels between 30 and 40 ng/mL (75 to 100 nmol/L) or more.  People with intestinal diseases, obese people, and those who have had bariatric surgery have difficulty in maintaining serum vitamin D levels; they may need very high intakes of vitamin D on daily basis.

18. How should pregnant mothers handle vitamin D?

Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy has serious consequences for woman and the fetus.  Changes in vitamin D metabolism also occur during pregnancy including increases in the maternal plasma 1,25(OH)2D levels thought to due to placental synthesis of this hormone Placental transfer of vitamin D from mother to fetus is essential for establishing the newborn’s growth; the goal of ensuring adequate vitamin D status with prenatal vitamin D supplements should be encouraged.  Pregnant woman with low 25(OH)D levels have an increased risk of preeclampsia.  Supplementation is important during pregnancy, but not essential during lactation period. 

19. What are the good food sources of vitamin D?

Vitamin D is present in some foods including mushrooms, cod-liver oil, and fatty fish such as herring, mackerel, sardines, and tuna.  Most other food has little vitamin D.  To make vitamin D more widely available, in several countries the vitamin is added to dairy products, juices, and breakfast cereals.  A healthy diet should contain a variety of fruits and vegetables (five servings a day), whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products. 

20. How supplements can help to maintain adequate vitamin D levels?

In dietary supplements and fortified foods, vitamin D is provided as either D2 or D3.  The two forms are considered as equivalent based on their ability to cure rickets.  Many supplements have been reformulated to contain vitamin D3 instead of vitamin D2.  In the absence of rigorous comparative studies, both forms (as well as vitamin D in foods) are considered equally effective in increasing serum 25(OH)D levels. 

21. What is vitamin D toxicity and how common it is?

Excessive sun exposure will not cause vitamin D toxicity.  Hypervitaminosis D is very rare, but can be a potentially serious problem.  It can cause kidney damage, growth retardation, calcification of soft tissues, and even death.  Vitamin D toxicity may (indirectly) manifest as a variety of non-specific symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and constipation, loss of appetite, dry mouth, metallic taste, fatigue, sleepiness, headaches, weakness, irritability, and weight loss.  Daily doses over 15,000 IU regularly may lead to vitamin D toxicity. 

22. What are the most important areas that scientists should do more research on vitamin D?

We need more controlled clinical studies on dose-responses of vitamin D (and correlation with the achieve serum 25(OH) D levels) with non-skeletal outcomes such as cancer, heart disease, all-cause deaths, etc. 

23. What is important information that we did not discuss here? 

Low vitamin D levels may aggravate a variety of non-skeletal disorders including cancer, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, infectious diseases, and autoimmune disorders.  While we wait for such studies that may take 10 years or more, it is rational to advice physicians to keep their patients serum vitamin D levels above 30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L). 

24.  Funding, institutional and personal support:

I have no conflicts of interest, except to state that I have published a book for primary care physicians on vitamin D; title “Vitamin D: Everything you need to know”. 

25. Author Profile:
Sunil Wimalawansa is a University Professor, Professor of Medicine, Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nutrition, and former Chief of Endocrinology at the University of Medicine and Dentistry, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Jersey, USA.1  He is also a Professor of Physiology and Integrative Biology at the University of Medicine and Dentistry, Graduate School Biomedical Sciences.  He holds an Executive Master’s of Business Administration Degree from the Rutgers University School of Business and a Diploma in Medical Administration from Johns Hopkins School of Business. 

He had his education at Ananda College, Colombo and postgraduate studies at the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka, Royal Postgraduate Medical School in United Kingdom, Rutgers and Johns Hopkins Universities in the United States.  He is a member or a board director of several committees of national and international scientific societies.  He is the founder-president of few charitable organizations, including the International Foundation for Revitalization, Empowerment, Education, and Development; Hela Empowerment Foundation–International; International Foundation for Chronic Disabilities; and the chairperson of the Education Trust Fund for Needy Children, and the Wimalawansa Charitable Foundation. 

His original contributions to science and medicine include current worldwide practiced standard of care in some medical methods.  He holds 6 medical patents, and has given more than 170 invited presentations at national and international scientific and medical meetings.  He has published over 130 peer-reviewed scientific articles, 4 books, and 45 scientific book chapters; and has made 260 scientific presentations worldwide. 

Dr. Wimalawansa is the recipient of many awards including Dr. Oscar Gluck International Humanitarian award in 2007 and the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005 from the Sri Lankan Foundation for his worldwide contributions to science, philanthropic work, and humanity.  Other awards he received include an International Award for Clinical Excellence in Metabolic Bone Diseases in 1991, multiple young-investigator scientific awards, and American Endocrine Society Glen Foundation Awards.  He is also the recipient of The Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degree in 2001. 



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Cardiovascular Disease in Turner Syndrome
 
Pankaj Madan, MD, MS, Director, Center for Adult Congenital Heart Disease
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Suite E3, 201 Lyons Avenue, Newark, NJ 07112
Email:  pmadan@barnabashealth.org
Phone:  973-926-6640
 

How common is heart disease in Turner syndrome?
Heart disease is very common in Turner syndrome.  Various studies using different imaging techniques have demonstrated that 25-50% of patients with TS have some form of congenital cardiovascular defect.
 
How do I know that I have (or don’t have) heart disease?
Heart disease in TS can often be silent for a long time.  It may present in later life as shortness of breath, palpitations, exercise intolerance or as a catastrophic event such as aortic dissection.  Therefore, all newly diagnosed individuals with TS should be seen by a cardiologist who is familiar with spectrum of heart disease that occurs in TS.  Usually echocardiogram is performed as a screening investigation.  However, it is a user dependent investigation.  Images may be suboptimal in older individuals.  Several of the cardiovascular defects present in TS may also not be visualized well on echo.  Therefore, cardiac MRI is recommended whenever the affected patient is able to cooperate.  However, such advanced imaging should be performed at tertiary care centers where the physicians have experience in performing and interpreting studies of individuals afflicted with congenital heart disease.
 
What are the common forms of heart disease that can occur in Turner syndrome?
Most of the heart disease in TS is congenital.  Bicuspid aortic valve (two cusps instead of three), coarctation (narrowing) of aorta, aortic arch anomalies constitute majority of the congenital heart defects.  Other defects may be anomalous pulmonary venous return, persistent left superior vena cava.  Atrial and ventricular septal defects are less common.
 
I was not born with any heart defects from birth.  Am I still at risk for heart disease as compared to normal peers?
Unfortunately, TS affected individuals are at increased risk of developing diabetes and hypertension, which predisposes them to premature coronary artery disease.  Therefore, it is essential to aggressively control risk factors to ensure long-term survival free of cardiovascular problems.
 
What are the cardiovascular risks if I get pregnant?
Recent advances in infertility treatment using egg donation have enabled the TS individuals to become pregnant.  However, pregnancy does predispose the affected individuals to excessive cardiovascular risks.  One of the most important and life-threatening complications is aortic dissection, which has been reported in 2-4% of the pregnancies.  This complication is associated with 60-80% fatality.  Other problems that may occur are pregnancy induced hypertension, pre-eclampsia, prematurity of the baby.  Therefore, women should get evaluated and receive counseling before pregnancy by an adult congenital cardiologist who is aware of the complications that can arise in TS individuals.
 
Is there any limitation on physical activity from a cardiac standpoint?
Specific recommendations about physical activity depend upon the type of heart defect detected in TS individuals.  In most of the patients, there is no limitation for aerobic exercises.  In individuals who are noted to be having bicuspid aortic valve, aortopathy and/or coarctation, there may be restrictions on anerobic exercises such as weight lifting or exercising till exhaustion.
 
What kind of cardiology care is recommended for adults with Turner syndrome?
The intensity and the frequency of cardiology care depends upon the presence or absence of any heart defect and the type of cardiac defect detected.  Several of the heart defects that are frequent in women with TS require specialized follow up in adult congenital cardiology clinics according to the American College of cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines.  Since TS also impacts the management of the cardiac condition, physicians need to be aware of the implications of TS in cardiac conditions detected.  Women transitioning from adolescence to adulthood or who are contemplating pregnancy should also be seen in such clinics. 
 
 
 
 
 Learn more about Cardiovascular Health Concerns
 
 
 
 














































New Diagnosis Questions:


What advise is normally given to parents with an in utero diagnosis? 
It is recommended that delivery occur in a hospital with a Newborn Intensive Care that can handle potential problems.Education for parents can occur when they are ready so they can be prepared for what may be necessary for the baby at delivery.Parents should be reminded that they did nothing wrong to have this chromosomal abnormality occur.

What would you say are potentially the biggest complications or hurdles for an infant or child diagnosed with TS?  
For the infant, heart and kidney malformations as well as ear infections are the most problematic.  As the child ages, hurdles change to school and social issues. Dental, hearing and pubertal development problems are challenging.  Frequent physician appointments are frightening and fear of the unknown at each new visit can cause tension.

Are parents encouraged to address their daughter’s likely infertility at a young age?  
This depends on the culture in which they exist.  In some cultures, this issue will be brought forth earlier than others.  This is an issue that need not be addressed too young, but if it is addressed by the young girl, then truthful answers need to be provided.  It is usually not helpful to bring up the subject early if it has not been problematic for the young girl since they do not need additional worries. 
 
Some women with TS may naturally conceive, but most do not.  Is any particular route to parenthood recommended over others:  
Invitrofertilization - IVF? 
Donor ova? 
Adoption?   
Why or why not?   
In most cases, pregnancy is not recommended due to the risk to the mother. The increased blood volume incurred in pregnancy heightens the risk of aortic dissection in the mother. This can be fatal so the risk is great.
Successful pregnancies have occurred via IVF with careful follow up with the reproductive specialists.
Adoption offers the least risk to the mother.
 
Are there any circumstances in which pregnancy is contraindicated? 
Heart issues, as mentioned above, provide a contraindication for pregnancy.
 
Anecdotal evidence found on the internet suggests that women with TS can and do get pregnant via a variety of methods.   Does maternal risk increase with age? 
If heart/aortic problems exist or have become more evident, the risk certainly increases.  Weight gain, prior to pregnancy, can also be problematic since many TS ladies have difficulty maintaining a healthy weight.  If other factors have been adequately treated, i.e. hypothyroidism, calcium issues, etc., the risks would increase equally to those without TS.

Learn more about Diagnosis
 

If you have additional questions, we would like to help. Send your questions to info@tsfusa.org, and we will try to answer them for you.

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