Association of low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and high arterial blood pressure in the elderly.

Background: Vitamin D and calcium metabolism are involved in vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, endothelial function and blood pressure (BP) regulation. Their physiopathology has been a matter of intensive clinical investigation with variable and sometimes contradictory results. Vitamin D insufficiency is highly prevalent in the general population, particularly among the elderly.

[Hypovitaminosis D associated to low sun exposure in the population over 64 years old].

Background And Objective: To identify the factors related to hypovitaminosis D in the population over 64 years of age without known risk factors of hypovitaminosis D.

Subjects And Method: It was a cross-sectional population study in individuals over 64 year-old attending basic healthcare areas in our hospital's area of reference. A survey was conducted to assess various items (functional capacity, exposure to sun, walks, eating habits).

[Evaluation assessment of the cut-off point of vitamin D in the population older than 64 years old].

Background And Objective: Serum 25(OH)D(3) is the best indicator of vitamin D status, although some controversy remains regarding "normal" and "abnormal" values. The objective was to identify the 25(OH)D(3) serum concentration threshold which allows to know the 25(OH)D(3) serum levels correlated to PTH(i) increase and to describe the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D.

Patients And Method: Cross-sectional population study in subjects over 64 years of age residing in the basic healthcare areas in our hospital's area of reference.

[Evolution of the use of antibiotics in a hospital long-term care center in Catalonia].

Introduction: Advanced age, together with immune system changes, malnutrition, chronic disease, and the institutional environment, all contribute to a higher risk of acquiring infection in the elderly. Antibiotics are widely used in geriatric centers, but often their use is not optimal.

Material And Methods: Study carried out during the period 1992-1999 in Centro Sociosanitario Albada (Sabadell, Spain).