血流感染儿童维生素D营养状况的评价

目的 观察血流感染患儿与健康儿童血清25(OH)D 水平的差别。方法 采用病例对照研究方法,选取2010 年1 月至2013 年12 月间住院治疗且双份血培养阳性的60 例血流感染患儿为血流感染组,另选取60 例同年龄段同时期行健康体检的儿童为健康对照组。化学发光法检测两组儿童血清25(OH)D 水平,比较两组儿童不同水平25(OH)D 的构成比。结果 血流感染组患儿血清25(OH)D 水平明显低于健康对照组(P<0.01);血流感染组维生素D 正常(8%)、不足(22%)的构成比均显著低于健康对照组(分别为35%、43%,P<0.05),而缺乏(42%)、严重缺乏(28%)的构成比均显著高于健康对照组(分别为13%、8%,P<0.01)。结论 维生素D 不足在儿童中普遍存在,血流感染患儿血清25(OH)D 水平显著低于健康儿童。     

孤独症谱系障碍患儿血清25(OH)D水平的检测

目的了解孤独症谱系障碍(ASD)患儿维生素D营养状况,探讨维生素D水平与ASD的关系。方法采用高效液相色谱-串联质谱法对117例新诊断的ASD患儿和109例健康对照儿童进行血清25(OH)D检测,并根据血清25(OH)D水平,将维生素D状况分为正常(30 ng/m L)、不足(10~30 ng/m L)和缺乏(10 ng/m L),比较两组儿童维生素D营养状况。结果 ASD患儿25(OH)D水平(19±9 ng/m L)明显低于对照组(36±13 ng/m L),差异有统计学意义(P0.01)。ASD患儿中维生素D缺乏和不足率为89.7%,明显高于对照组(52.3%),差异有统计学意义(P0.01)。结论 ASD患儿存在维生素D缺乏或不足,维生素D缺乏和不足有可能是ASD发病的环境/遗传因素。     

Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency after pediatric liver transplantation

Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are increasingly recognized in the general population, including healthy children. There is also an increasing emphasis on the importance of vitamin D status following pediatric liver transplantation and specifically its relationship to metabolic bone disease and growth retardation. Vitamin D insufficiency has also been associated with multiple immunological and metabolic disorders in adults. To our knowledge, this has not been systematically evaluated in children undergoing liver transplantation to date. Between October 2004 and August 2008, serum 25‐(OH)‐vitamin D levels were measured in 199 children who had undergone liver transplantation at Birmingham Children's Hospital. Potential factors contributing to vitamin D levels were evaluated. Additionally, we evaluated a possible relationship between vitamin D levels and immunological phenomena and metabolic complications. Median 25‐(OH)‐vitamin D level was 19.5 ng/mL (range: 4.4–71.4 ng/mL). A total of 105 children (53%) had insufficient vitamin D levels and 28 children (14%) showed vitamin D deficiency. The only factors found to be associated with vitamin D deficiency were season of sample, ethnicity, and PTH levels. Vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent during the first year after transplantation. We did not find a significant relationship between vitamin D levels and graft function or any other immunological and metabolic complications. Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency are common in children after liver transplantation, especially in winter and spring and in non‐white patients. Initial post‐transplant period and high PTH are significantly associated with vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D status should be monitored following pediatric liver transplantation and vitamin D supplementation provided as required.     

晚期早产儿脐血维生素D水平及维生素D3补充对婴幼儿行为发育的前瞻性随机对照研究（英文翻译）

目的 探讨晚期早产儿25-羟维生素D［25-hydroxyvitamin D,25(OH)D］水平及维生素D₃补充对婴幼儿神经行为发育的影响。 方法 前瞻性选取2017年6月—2020年6月收治的晚期早产儿161例为研究对象,根据脐血25(OH)D水平分为充足组（52例）、不足组（53例）、缺乏组（56例）,每组按随机数字法分为A亚组（维生素D₃ 800 IU/d）、B亚组（个体化补充维生素D₃）。分析比较各组生后3个月25(OH)D水平、纠正胎龄10个月及纠正胎龄18个月25(OH)D水平及Gesell发育量表评分的差异。 结果 生后24 h内及3个月时,不足组、缺乏组25(OH)D水平低于充足组（P<0.05）,不足组25(OH)D水平高于缺乏组（P<0.05）;缺乏组生后3个月时B亚组25(OH)D水平高于A亚组（P<0.05）。不足组和缺乏组纠正胎龄10个月、纠正胎龄18个月时Gesell发育量表5个能区得分均低于充足组（P<0.05）;缺乏组纠正胎龄10个月时言语能、纠正胎龄18个月时粗大动作能得分低于不足组（P<0.05）。缺乏组B亚组纠正胎龄10个月时适应能、纠正胎龄18个月时适应能和应物能得分高于A亚组（P<0.05）。 结论 晚期早产儿脐血25(OH)D水平存在明显差异,个体化补充维生素D方案对于纠正维生素D缺乏更为有效。出生时及婴儿早期维生素D水平对神经行为发育有一定影响。     

Vitamin D status in Norwegian children and adolescents with excess body weight

Lagunova Z, Porojnicu AC, Lindberg FA, Aksnes L, Moan J. Vitamin D status in Norwegian children and adolescents with excess body weight. Objectives: The prevalence of childhood and adolescent obesity has increased during the past decades. A high body mass index (BMI) is associated with a low vitamin D status. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in Norwegian children and adolescents with excess body weight. Methods: Vitamin D status and seasonal variations of 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)₂D were analyzed in 102 children and adolescents (70 girls and 32 boys), 8–19 yr of age, with overweight and obesity. Results: Overall, 50% of the children and adolescents included in the study had a low vitamin D status (25(OH)D <75 nmol/L) and 19% had vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D <50 nmol/L). This was most prevalent in adolescents. Only 42% of teenagers had 25(OH)D levels ≥75 nmol/L vs. 72% of preteens. Both 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)₂D showed seasonal variations. A peak in serum 25(OH)D concentrations was observed during the summer while the lowest values were seen during the spring. In contrast, serum 1,25(OH)₂D had a peak during the spring and the lowest concentrations during the winter. Conclusions: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency is higher in obese and overweight adolescents than in overweight children. This might be related to low outdoor activities and low vitamin D intake in teenagers. Seasonal variations of both the vitamin D metabolites were observed.     

Vitamin D insufficiency common in newborns, children and pregnant women living in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with poor bone health, colorectal cancer, type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Two national health-related societies in Canada have made recommendations for vitamin D supplementation, yet little research has been reported on the vitamin D status of Canadians. Lifestyle changes, such as sunscreen use, spending less time outdoors and insufficient intake of vitamin D-containing foods as well as northern latitude, may be affecting human vitamin D status. A cross-sectional analysis of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25-(OH)D] was conducted in pregnant women, newborns (umbilical cord blood) and children. Samples were analysed by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Published ranges for 25-(OH)D were used to determine vitamin D status. The prevalence of 25-(OH)D deficiency for the three groups studied revealed most concentrations in the 25-(OH)D deficiency or insufficiency ranges. There were significant differences in all groups studied between seasons, with the exception of maternal blood and female cord blood samples. 25-(OH)D insufficiency was common in all groups for winter and summer, more so in winter. 25-(OH)D insufficiency was common in the three groups studied. The Newfoundland and Labrador population may be at increased risk for vitamin D insufficiency because of factors such as northern latitude and lifestyle issues. Further research on the vitamin D status of this population is important, considering the potential adverse health-related outcomes and the recommendations on supplementation being made.     

Deficiency of vitamins E and A in cystic fibrosis is independent of pancreatic function and current enzyme and vitamin supplementation

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate to what extent serum vitamins A and E in cystic fibrosis are affected by the underlying disease, pancreatic sufficiency or insufficiency, meconium ileus, nutritional status, age and treatment (enzyme and vitamin supplementation). Serum vitamin A and E levels were determined by high performance liquid chromatography in 210 cystic fibrosis patients, subdivided according to clinical condition into four subgroups (unsupplemented pancreatic insufficiency, supplemented meconium ileus, pancreatic sufficiency, supplemented pancreatic insufficiency) and compared with 42 control subjects. Vitamin A and E levels were generally lower in cystic fibrosis patients than in controls (P<0.002 andP<0.001 respectively). Subjects with pancreatic insufficiency regularly receiving enzyme and vitamin supplementation had significantly lower vitamin A (P<0.05) and vitamin E (P<0.01) levels than controls. In subjects with pancreatic sufficiency only vitamin A was significantly lower than in controls (P<0.01). Vitamin levels were not age-dependent in cystic fibrosis, and no significant correlation with standardized body weight (Z-score) was observed.Conclusion Cystic fibrosis patients show a clear tendency to vitamin A and E deficiency, irrespective of pancreatic function, body weight and standardized supplementation with pancreatic extract and liposoluble vitamins. Since the clinical significance of this deficiency is still not clear, longitudinal studies of cystic fibrosis patients with and without adequate vitamin supplementation are required.     

Vitamin D deficiency among native Dutch and first- and second-generation non-Western immigrants

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency in a hospital-based population of both native Dutch and non-Western immigrants and to investigate the influence of immigrant status on the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 132 patients (1–18 years of age) visiting the paediatric outpatient department. Serum levels of 25(OH)D were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Cut-off levels of 30 and 50 nmol/l for serum 25(OH)D were evaluated. One third of the patients had serum 25(OH)D levels below 30 nmol/l, and half of the study population had serum levels below 50 nmol/l. Non-Western immigrants had an increased risk for vitamin D deficiency compared to their native Dutch peers [25(OH)D of <30 nmol/l, p?=?0.03, odds ratio (OR) 3.87 (95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.13–13.29); 25(OH)D of <50 nmol/l, p?=?0.02, OR 3.57 (95 % CI 1.26–10.14)] with the highest risk for first-generation non-Western immigrants. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency in the paediatric population is still a matter of concern in the Netherlands, in particular among first-generation non-Western immigrants. We therefore strongly recommend vitamin D supplementation for all non-Western immigrants, regardless of age, skin type or season. Health-care staff who work with non-Western immigrants should be aware of the prevalence and implications of vitamin D deficiency.     

The association between ketoacidosis and 25(OH)-vitamin D levels at presentation in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Background:  There is considerable evidence supporting the role of vitamin D deficiency in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Vitamin D deficiency is also associated with impairment of insulin synthesis and secretion. There have been no formal studies looking at the relationship between 25(OH)-vitamin D₃ and the severity of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in children at presentation with T1DM.
Objective:  To determine the relationship between measured 25(OH)-vitamin D₃ levels and the degree of acidosis in children at diagnosis with T1DM.
Subjects:  Children presenting with new-onset T1DM at a tertiary children's hospital.
Methods:  25(OH)-vitamin D₃ and bicarbonate levels were measured in children at presentation with newly diagnosed T1DM. Those with suboptimal 25(OH)-vitamin D₃ levels (<50 nmol/L) had repeat measurements performed without interim vitamin D supplementation.
Results:  Fourteen of the 64 children had low 25(OH)-vitamin D₃ levels at presentation, and 12 of these had low bicarbonate levels (<18 mmol/L) (p = 0.001). Bicarbonate explained 20% of the variation in vitamin D level at presentation (partial r² = 0.20, p < 0.001) and ethnic background a further 10% (partial r² = 0.10, p = 0.002). The levels of 25(OH)-vitamin D₃ increased in 10 of the 11 children with resolution of the acidosis.
Conclusions:  Acid–base status should be considered when interpreting 25(OH)-vitamin D₃ levels in patients with recently diagnosed T1DM. Acidosis may alter vitamin D metabolism, or alternatively, low vitamin D may contribute to a child's risk of presenting with DKA.     

Serum vitamin D concentrations and associated severity of acute lower respiratory tract infections in Japanese hospitalized children

Background: Vitamin D is an immunomodulatory molecule related to innate immunity that may contribute to the increased occurrence of acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) in children, one of the most common reasons for hospitalization and intensive care unit admission. In the present study, the association between vitamin D deficiency and the severity of respiratory infection was evaluated by determining serum concentrations of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in a group of hospitalized children with ALRI. Methods: Of the 28 children admitted to Nihon University Nerima‐Hikarigaoka Hospital with ALRI over the period November 2008–May 2009, 26 were diagnosed as having bronchiolitis and two were found to have pneumonia. A competitive protein binding radioimmunoassay was used to determine serum 25(OH)D concentrations. Results: Mean 25(OH)D concentrations in breast‐fed children with ALRI (n = 7) were significantly lower than those in children with ALRI who were bottle fed/weaned (n = 6) or on a regular diet (n = 15; 14.6 ± 9.7, 28.9 ± 6.9 and 24.6 ± 8.8 ng/mL, respectively). There was a significant correlation between vitamin D deficiency (<15 ng/mL) and the need for supplementary oxygen and ventilator management. Conclusion: Significantly more children with ALRI who needed supplementary oxygen and ventilator management were vitamin D deficient. These findings suggest that the immunomodulatory properties of vitamin D may influence the severity of ALRI.     

Hipovitaminosis D y factores asociados a los 4 años en el norte de España

Introduction

Vitamin D is an essential prohormone in calcium and phosphorus homeostasis. Recent studies show a high frequency of insufficiency/deficiency of vitamin D in the general population worldwide. Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of circulating vitamin D [25(OH)D3] deficiency and insufficiency in children and examine the associated factors.

Effect of combined maternal and infant vitamin D supplementation on vitamin D status of exclusively breastfed infants

Severe vitamin D deficiency in mothers and their breastfed infants is a significant health problem in the Middle East. Supplementation of the breastfed infant alone with the recommended dose of vitamin D may be insufficient in high‐risk population. We investigated the effect of combined maternal and infant vitamin D supplementation on vitamin D status of the breastfed infant. We examined also the effect of supplementation on vitamin D antirachitic activity of breast milk in a subset of mothers. Healthy breastfeeding mothers (n = 90) were randomly assigned to 2000 IU daily (group 1) or 60 000 IU monthly (group 2) of vitamin D₂, and all their infants (n = 92) received 400 IU daily of vitamin D₂ for 3 months. Most infants had vitamin D deficiency – 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] ≤ 37.5 nmol L^?1– at study entry. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations at 3 months increased significantly from baseline in infants of mothers in group 1 (13.9 ± 8.6 vs. 49.6 ± 18.5 nmol L^?1, P < 0.0001) and group 2 (13.7 ± 12.1 vs. 44.6 ± 15.0 nmol L^?1, P < 0.0001). Maternal and infant serum 25(OH)D concentrations correlated positively at baseline (r = 0.36, P = 0.01) and 3 months (r = 0.46, P = 0.002). Milk antirachitic activity increased from undetectable (<20 IU L^?1) to a median of 50.9 IU L^?1. In conclusion, combined maternal and infant vitamin D supplementation was associated with a threefold increase in infants’ serum 25(OH)D concentrations and a 64% reduction in the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency without causing hypervitaminosis D.     

4~12岁哮喘儿童维生素D水平与哮喘控制及肺功能的关系

目的 探讨哮喘儿童血清维生素D水平与哮喘控制及肺功能的关系。方法 纳入150例哮喘患儿为观察组,55例健康儿童为对照组。按哮喘控制水平分级标准将观察组分为良好控制组、部分控制组和未控制组。采用化学发光微粒子免疫检测法检测各组血清25羟维生素D[25（OH）D]水平。根据25（OH）D的水平将哮喘儿童分为维生素D正常组、维生素D不足组和维生素D缺乏组,并对哮喘儿童进行肺功能测定。结果 观察组血清25（OH）D水平显著低于对照组（25±7 ng/mL vs 29±4 ng/mL,P < 0.05）。维生素D正常组、维生素D不足组、维生素D缺乏组哮喘控制率依次降低（P < 0.05）,但3组肺功能的比较差异无统计学意义（P > 0.05）。结论 哮喘儿童血清25（OH）D水平较正常儿童降低,且与哮喘控制水平有关,但与肺功能无相关性。     

Frequency of vitamin D insufficiency in healthy children between 1 and 16 years of age in Turkey

Background: The aim of this study was to establish the frequencies of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency among healthy children aged 1–16 years and also to determine the factors affecting the levels of vitamin D in Turkey. Methods: A total of 849 healthy individuals whose ages ranged from 1 to 16 years were included in the study. Serum 25(OH)D, calcium, phosphorous and alkaline phosphatase l levels were measured at the end of the winter period. The approximate daily calcium intake was calculated by using a 1‐week diet history. Results: We determined that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) was 8% and that of vitamin D insufficiency (20–29 ng/mL) was 25.5% in the population investigated. The average daily intake of calcium was especially low in the >8‐year‐old age group (<1300 mg/day). Conclusion: Vitamin D insufficiency was found to be very common in the population investigated. The daily calcium intake was below the adequate levels especially in school children. Vitamin D supplementation after the first year of life could be beneficial especially for school children and adolescents. The government must develop public policies for the fortification of milk, milk products, and fruit juices with vitamin D.     

Vitamin D status,enterovirus infection,and type 1 diabetes in Italian children/adolescents

At the time of the clinical onset of type 1 diabetes (T1D), we investigated 82 pediatric cases in parallel with 117 non‐diabetic controls matched by age, geographic area, and time of collection. The occurrence of an enteroviral infection was evaluated in peripheral blood using a sensitive method capable of detecting virtually all human enterovirus (EV) types. While non‐diabetic controls were consistently EV‐negative, 65% of T1D cases carried EVs in blood. The vitamin D status was assessed by measuring the concentration of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] in serum. Levels of 25(OH)D were interpreted as deficiency (≤50 nmol/L), insufficiency (52.5‐72.5 nmol/L), and sufficiency (75‐250 nmol/L). In T1D cases, the median serum concentration of 25(OH)D was 54.4 ± 27.3 nmol/L vs 74.1 ± 28.5 nmol/L in controls (P = .0001). Diabetic children/adolescents showed deficient levels of vitamin D 25(OH)D (ie, 72.5 nmol/L) in 48.8% cases vs 17.9% in non‐diabetic controls (P = .0001). Unexpectedly, the median vitamin D concentration was significantly reduced in virus‐positive vs virus‐negative diabetics (48.2 ± 22.5 vs 61.8 ± 31.2 nmol/L; P = .015), with deficient levels in 58.5% vs 31.0%, respectively. Thus, at the time of clinical onset, EV‐positive cases had reduced vitamin D levels compared with EV‐negative cases. This could indicate either that the virus‐negative children/adolescents had been hit by a non‐infectious T1D‐triggering event, or that children/adolescents with proper levels of vitamin D had been able to rapidly clear the virus. Thus, it would be important to assess whether adequate vitamin D supplementation before or during the prediabetic phase of T1D may counteract the diabetogenic potential of infectious pathogens.     

Metabolic disturbances and cardiovascular risk factors in obese children with vitamin D deficiency

ObjectivesThe prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents has been rapidly increasing in recent years. Obese individuals are at risk of vitamin D deficiency. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and anthropometric measurements, cardiovascular risk factors, and glucose homeostasis in obese children.MethodsBetween June 2011 and January 2012, 40 obese and 30 non-obese children (between 7 and 14 years of age) were evaluated at Tepecik Training and Research Hospital. The following characteristics were recorded: height; weight; body mass index (BMI); total body fat content; fasting glucose, insulin, and lipid levels; basic biochemical parameters; complete blood count; bilateral carotid intima media thickness; liver ultrasound results; and left ventricular wall thickness were recorded. 25-hydroxy (OH) vitamin D levels were measured from serum.ResultsThe serum 25(OH) vitamin D level was low in 45 children (64.3%). The 24-h ambulatory blood pressure measurements, carotid intima-media thickness, and the prevalence of 25(OH) vitamin D deficiency were different between obese and non-obese children (P < 0.05). The incidence of dyslipidemia was not statistically different between obese and non-obese children (P > 0.05). Plasma 25(OH) vitamin D concentrations were negatively correlated with age, BMI, total body fat content, 24-h ambulatory blood pressure, and carotid intima-media thickness (P < 0.05). Plasma 25(OH) vitamin D levels were not correlated with fasting plasma glucose, HOMA-IR, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density cholesterol, and high-density cholesterol (P > 0.05).ConclusionVitamin D deficiency is more prevalent in obese children. Serum 25(OH)vitamin D was significantly associated with several cardiometabolic risk factors. There was no relationship between abnormal glucose homeostasis and dyslipidemia with vitamin D deficiency in obese children.     

The effect of vitamin K supplementation on biochemical markers of bone formation in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis

Introduction Impaired vitamin K status in cystic fibrosis (CF) has been considered as a newly emerged pathogenetic factor for reduced bone mineral density (BMD).Objectives Our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of vitamin K supplementation in managing bone formation abnormalities in children and adolescents with CF.Materials and methods The statuses of vitamins K and D in relation to biochemical markers of bone metabolism and BMD were examined in 20 CF children receiving vitamin D supplements but not vitamin K supplements. Laboratory tests were carried out at the beginning of the study period and after 1 year of vitamin K supplementation (10 mg single oral dose/week) and the results were compared; the results were also compared with those of 25 healthy controls.Results and discussion Ten of the CF patients had BMD z-score ≤2.5 (n=5) or between −1 and −2.5 (n=5). Biochemical tests on patients before vitamin K supplementation revealed that the levels of osteoblastic activity markers, namely, bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), serum osteocalcin (Gla-OC), serum carboxy-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PICP) and serum amino-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP), were significantly reduced compared with those of the controls. These patients had also lower 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) and vitamin K serum levels, higher undercaboxylated osteocalcin (Glu-OC) and parathormone (PTH) levels and a higher calcium to creatinine ratio (Ca/Cr) than the controls. Vitamin K intake was associated with an increase in Gla-OC, PINP, PICP levels and a decrease in Glu-OC levels. PTH levels were lower after vitamin K supplementation without any difference in BMD z-scores.Conclusion Our data indicate that vitamin K supplementation may have a beneficial role in bone health in CF children.     

Prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency among healthy school-age Cree children

BACKGROUND:

First Nations children are at higher risk for vitamin D deficiency and rickets.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and the correlations between fat mass, parathyroid hormone and dietary habits with serum vitamin D level in a random sample of Cree children eight to 14 years of age.

METHODS:

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels and additional information regarding anthropometrics and dietary habits were obtained from participants in two Cree communities. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency was defined as serum 25(OH)D levels <30 nmol/L and <50 nmol/L, respectively. Proportions to estimate the vitamin D status were weighted to account for the complex sampling design, and Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to estimate the associations of milk and fish intake, parathyroid hormone and fat mass with serum 25(OH)D levels.

RESULTS:

Data from 52 healthy Cree children (mean [± SD] age 11.1±2.0 years; 27 boys) were included in the analyses. The median serum 25(OH)D level was 52.4 nmol/L (range 22.1 nmol/L to 102.7 nmol/L). Forty-three percent (95% CI 29% to 58%) and 81% (95% CI 70% to 92%) of Cree children had vitamin D levels <50 nmol/L and <75 nmol/L, respectively. Vitamin D intake was positively associated with serum 25(OH)D levels. Obese children had lower vitamin D levels; however, the difference was nonsignificant.

CONCLUSION:

There may be a substantial proportion of Cree children who are vitamin D deficient. Increasing age, lower dietary vitamin D intake and, possibly, higher body mass index were associated with decreased vitamin D levels; however, causality cannot be inferred.     

Vitamin D deficiency and its relationship with cardiac iron and function in patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia at Chiang Mai University Hospital

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with thalassemia. Vitamin D deficiency could be related to cardiac dysfunction. Increased parathyroid hormone (PTH) is also known to be associated with heart failure. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency and to explore the impact of Vitamin D deficiency on cardiac iron and function in patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia. Method: A cross-sectional study in patients with Transfusion-dependent thalassemia was conducted. Patients with liver disease, renal disease, type 1 diabetes, malabsorption, hypercortisolism, malignancy, and contraindication for MRI were excluded. Calcium, phosphate, PTH, vitamin D-25OH were measured. CardiacT2^* and liver iron concentration (LIC) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were determined. Results Sixty-one (33M/28F) patients with Transfusion-dependent thalassemia were enrolled. The prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency was 50.8%. Patients with cardiac siderosis had tendency for lower D-25OH than those without siderosis (15.9 (11.7–20.0) vs. 20.2 (15.85–22.3) ng/mL); p = 0.06). Serum calcium, phosphate, PTH, LIC, cardiac T2^*, and LVEF were not different between the groups with or without Vitamin D deficiency. Patients with Vitamin D deficiency had significantly lower hemoglobin levels compared to those without Vitamin D deficiency (7.5 (6.93–8.33) vs. 8.1 (7.30–8.50) g/dL; p = 0.04). The median hemoglobin in the last 12 months was significantly correlated with D-25OH. Cardiac T2^* had significant correlation with PTH. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in patients with Transfusion-dependent thalassemia. Vitamin D level is correlated with hemoglobin level. Vitamin D status should be routinely assessed in these patients. Low PTH is correlated with increased cardiac iron. This study did not demonstrate an association between Vitamin D deficiency and cardiac iron or function in patients with Transfusion-dependent thalassemia.     

Relationship between Vitamin D and Childhood Asthma: A Case–Control Study

Objective:

Studies determining the relationship between serum vitamin D status and childhood asthma have yielded controversial results. Findings indicated that vitamin D deficiency is associated with asthma and airway hyper responsiveness. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between serum vitamin D status and childhood asthma.

Methods:

Data were obtained from 200 asthmatic children (age 3–12 years) and 200 healthy controls. Serum levels of 25(OH) vitamin D, total IgE, calcium, phosphorus, parathormone (PTH) and eosinophil count were measured in both asthmatic children and healthy controls. Also, the mean values of 25(OH) vitamin D were compared with asthma symptom severities.

Findings:

There was a significant decrease in the concentration of serum 25(OH) vitamin D in the asthmatic patients as compared with the controls (20.34±2.8 vs 25.39±4.1 ng/mL, 95%CI: 1.46–3.86, P=0.01). Out of total asthmatic subjects, 40 (20%) were vitamin D sufficient, 48 (24%) were insufficient, and 112 (56%) were deficient. Total IgE concentration was also significantly higher in asthmatic patients having vitamin D deficiency (132.4±20.1 IU/ml, 95%CI: 1.38–3.75, P=0.03). Comparing asthmatic patients with healthy controls, odds of having vitamin D level less than 20ng/mL was 2.47.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency may be positively related to the prevalence of asthma in children.