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Table 1 Eligibility algorithm for the Vital D Study: A total score of at least 5 points was needed to be eligible for participation in the study.

From: Trials and tribulations of recruiting 2,000 older women onto a clinical trial investigating falls and fractures: Vital D study

RISK FACTOR

GUIDELINES

SCORE

PATIENT SCORE

"Faller"

Self-reported or assessed as high risk of falling by the P rimar y C are P hysician

5

 

Any Fracture

Since age of 50 years

5

 

High risk of low vitamin "D"

Avoids sun, wears protective/cultural clothing regularly uses sunscreen and/or have dark skin

5

 

Osteoporosis

Bone density T-score at spine or hip >-2.5

5

 

Osteopenia

Bone density T-score at spine or hip -1.0 to -2.5

2

 

Aged > 80 years

 

2

 

Maternal hip fracture

 

1

 

Thinness

BMI < 20 or current weight less than that at age 25

1

 

Self rated health as fair or worse

(excellent/good/fair/poor/very poor)

1

 

Poor vision

Self reported or assessed by primary care physician

1

 

No walking exercise

"Do you walk outside your house or yard regularly?"

1

 

On feet < 4 hours per day

 

1

 

Inability to rise from a chair

without using arms

1

 

Caffeine intake

> Two cups of coffee or 4 cups of tea per day

1

 

Smoker

Current

1

 

Long-acting benzodiazepines

Current use

1

 

Anticonvulsant

Current use

1

 

History of thyrotoxicosis

 

1

 

Resting pulse > 80/min

 

1

 
 

SCORE ≥ 5 = eligible for Vital D Study (Check exclusions listed below)

TOTAL

 

EXCLUSIONS

   

Hypercalcemia

Baseline serum corrected calcium > 2.65 mmol/L

  

Bone-trophic medication

Current use; HRT, bisphosphonate, SERM, calcitriol, Vitamin D supplement > 400 IU/day

  

Renal disease

Creatinine > 150 μmol/L or no known renal disease

  

Sarcoidosis, TB or lymphoma

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