A Spectrum of Clinical Presentations in Seven Japanese Patients with Vitamin D Deficiency

Recently, the reemergence of vitamin D deficiency in developed countries has been pointed out. Vitamin D deficiency is diagnosed based on the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) level. However, its normal range is still controversial, making the diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency difficult. Here, we present seven Japanese patients diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency. Three patients complained of leg bowing, and the other four of tetany. The patients with leg bowing were toddlers. Radiographic surveys demonstrated evidence of rickets. Laboratory findings showed decreased levels of serum inorganic phosphorus and increased levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and intact-parathyroid hormone (iPTH). The serum levels of 25OHD were relatively low, ranging from 13 to 15.2 ng/ml. Of the patients with tetany, three were young infants. Laboratory findings showed decreased levels of serum calcium and increased levels of ALP and iPTH. The serum levels of 25OHD were markedly decreased (below 8 ng/ml). Thus, these results indicate that relatively low levels of 25OHD can cause rickets, a symptom of vitamin D deficiency, and that clinicians should therefore carefully evaluate the levels of 25OHD.     

Early response to vitamin D2 in children with calcium deficiency rickets

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of vitamin D(2) administration on serum vitamin D metabolite concentrations in calcium deficiency rickets. STUDY DESIGN: We administered vitamin D(2), 50,000 IU orally to 16 Nigerian children 15 to 48 months of age with radiographically active rickets. We measured calcium and vitamin D metabolites at baseline and at 1, 3, 7, and 14 days. RESULTS: At baseline, ranges of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations were 18 to 40 nmol/L (7-16 ng/mL), and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25-(OH)(2)D) concentrations were 290 to 790 pmol/L (120-330 pg/mL). After vitamin D administration, serum 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)(2)D concentrations rapidly rose and peaked at 2.8 and 1.9 times the baseline values (P < .001), respectively, at 3 days. Positive correlations between 1,25(OH)(2)D and 25(OH)D were strongest at day 3 (r = 0.84, P < .001) and weakest at day 14 (r = 0.41, P = .11). The relationship of 1,25(OH)(2)D with 25(OH)D at baseline and the increase in 1,25(OH)(2)D in response to vitamin D were similar to those described in children with vitamin D deficiency. However, unlike the pattern in vitamin D deficiency, 1,25(OH)(2)D remained positively correlated with 25(OH)D after administration of vitamin D. CONCLUSION: Dietary calcium deficiency increases the demand for 25(OH)D above that required in vitamin D deficiency to optimize 1,25(OH)(2)D concentrations. Assessment of vitamin D sufficiency in persons or communities may need to be adjusted for habitual dietary calcium intake.     

新生儿维生素D营养状况调查

目的通过测定新生儿血清25-羟维生素D[25（OH）D]、甲状旁腺激素（PTH）、钙、磷浓度,了解兰州市新生儿维生素D营养状况,指导临床补充维生素D。方法选取2012年9～12月在兰州大学第一医院住院的90例新生儿为研究对象,早产儿30例,足月儿60例,采用酶联免疫法检测两组患儿生后10天内血清25（OH）D、PTH浓度,并分析两者之间的相关性;血清标本的钙、磷水平由贝克曼AU2700全自动生化分析仪测定。结果早产儿血清25（OH）D浓度为（21．9±2．5）nmol／L,显著低于足月儿（34．9±10．8）nmol／L,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）;早产儿血清町H浓度为（94．7±40．2）pg／ml,显著高于足月儿（56．1±30．0）pg／ml,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）,新生儿血清25（oH）D水平与明H呈负相关;旱产儿血钙浓度为（2．1±0．3）mmob／L,低于足月儿（2．3±0．3）mmol／L,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）;早产儿血磷浓度为（1．8±0．7）mmoL／L,足月儿为（1．6±0．5）mmol／L,差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论兰州市新生儿普遍存在维生素D缺乏或不足的现象,应加强孕母和新生儿的维生素D补充。     

Higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in mothers of rachitic than nonrachitic children

Vitamin D deficiency [serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D <25 nmol/L (<10 ng/mL)] was identified in 92% of rachitic Arab children and 97% of their mothers compared with 22% of nonrachitic children and 52% of their mothers. There was a positive correlation between maternal and child vitamin D levels. We conclude that mothers of rachitic children should be investigated and treated for vitamin D deficiency.     

Low vitamin D status in children with sickle cell disease

OBJECTIVES: To examine vitamin D status in children with sickle cell disease (SCD)-SS and its relation to season and dietary intake. STUDY DESIGN: Growth, dietary intake, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), and parathyroid hormone levels were measured. Children with low and normal vitamin D status were compared. Low vitamin D status was defined as a serum concentration of 25-OHD <27.5 nmol/L. Serum 25-OHD and parathyroid hormone levels were compared among children with SCD-SS and healthy children. RESULTS: Children with SCD-SS (n=65), 5 to 18 years of age, were evaluated. Mean (+/-SD) serum 25-OHD concentration was 25.5 +/- 12.8 nmol/L; 65% of subjects had low vitamin D status. Low vitamin D prevalence was highest during spring (100%). Children with SCD-SS were at higher risk for low vitamin D status than healthy children. Vitamin D intake was lower in subjects with SCD-SS and low vitamin D than those with normal serum vitamin D status (P <.05). CONCLUSIONS: Low serum vitamin D status was highly prevalent in black children with SCD-SS. Vitamin D status was associated with season and dietary intake.     

Global summary of maternal and newborn vitamin D status – a systematic review

Pregnant women and newborns are at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. Our objective was to create a global summary of maternal and newborn vitamin D status. We completed a systematic review (1959–2014) and meta‐analysis of studies reporting serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration in maternal and newborn populations. The 95 identified studies were unevenly distributed by World Health Organization (WHO) region: Americas (24), European (33), Eastern Mediterranean (13), South‐East Asian (7), Western Pacific (16) and African (2). Average maternal 25(OH)D concentrations (nmol L^?1) by region were 47–65 (Americas), 15–72 (European), 13–60 (Eastern Mediterranean), 20–52 (South‐East Asian), 42–72 (Western Pacific) and 92 (African). Average newborn 25(OH)D concentrations (nmol L^?1) were 35–77 (Americas), 20–50 (European), 5–50 (Eastern Mediterranean), 20–22 (South‐East Asian), 32–67 (Western Pacific) and 27–35 (African). The prevalences of 25(OH)D <50 and <25 nmol L^?1 by WHO region in pregnant women were: Americas (64%, 9%), European (57%, 23%), Eastern Mediterranean (46%, 79%), South‐East Asian (87%, not available) and Western Pacific (83%, 13%). Among newborns these values were: Americas (30%, 14%), European (73%, 39%), Eastern Mediterranean (60%, not available), South‐East Asian (96%, 45%) and Western Pacific (54%, 14%). By global region, average 25(OH)D concentration varies threefold in pregnant women and newborns, and prevalence of 25(OH)D <25 nmol L^?1 varies eightfold in pregnant women and threefold in newborns. Maternal and newborn 25(OH)D concentrations are highly correlated. Addressing vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women and newborns should be a global priority. To protect children from the adverse effects of vitamin D deficiency requires appropriate interventions during both pregnancy and childhood.     

Serum Concentrations of Vitamin D Metabolites in Exclusively Breast-Fed Infants at 70° North

ABSTRACT. The effect of prolonged breast-feeding on the serum concentrations of vitamin D metabolites, calcium, phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase was studied longitudinally in 7 infants from Northern Norway. They were exclusively breast-fed for a median of 71/2 months. Three of the mothers were supplemented with vitamin D throughout lactation. All but one of the infants had 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels in the rachitic range (< 20 nmol/l) on at least one occasion. Vitamin D supplementation of the mother had no apparent effect on the infants' 25-OHD levels, but the values increased during summer. The infant who had the lowest 25-OHD levels also had decreased 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25-(OH)₂D) concentrations, while the others maintained l,25-(OH)₂D levels within normal limits. 24,25-(OH)₂D concentrations were undetectable when the 25-OHD levels were below 35 nmol/l, but the two metabolites were closely correlated for higher values of 25-OHD. Low 25-OHD levels were associated with decreased phosphate concentrations at 6 months. The calcium levels were normal throughout the study period of one year, as were all but two of the alkaline phospatase values. Although none of the infants had clinical or biochemical evidence of rickets, the results suggest that the vitamin D supply from human milk is inadequate, and that routine vitamin D supplementation is advisable for breast-fed infants who are deprived of sunlight exposure.     

The relationship of serum vitamin D with pre‐eclampsia in the Iranian women

Vitamin D deficiency may be a risk factor for negative outcome in pregnancy, such as pre‐term labour, low birthweight, intrauterine growth retardation and gestational diabetes. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D and pre‐eclampsia. This was a case–control study of 59 pre‐eclamptic women and 59 healthy pregnant women selected in two hospitals in Ahvaz, Iran. Women with term singleton pregnancy, nulliparous and of reproductive age were selected. Venous blood samples (2 mL) were taken and the level of 25‐dihydroxy vitamin D (25‐OH‐D) was measured. If the levels of 25‐OH‐D were less than 10 ng mL^?1, between 10 ng mL^?1 and 29 ng mL^?1 and more than 30 ng mL^?1, they were considered as indicating deficient, insufficient and normal 25‐OH‐D concentrations, respectively. The independent t‐test, Mann–Whitney U‐test, chi‐square and logistic regression were used for analysing the data. Vitamin D deficiency was significantly higher in the pre‐eclampsia group [odds ratio (OR) = 24.04, confidence interval (CI) = 2.10–274.8, P = 0.01]. Older women (30–35 years) were more likely to develop pre‐eclampsia compared with the control group (OR = 10.36, CI = 2.18–49.09, P = 0.003). The results showed that women with body mass index (BMI) <20 were more likely to develop pre‐eclampsia. The ages between 20 years and 30 years and normal BMI were not the risk factors for pre‐eclampsia. Vitamin D deficiency has a statistically significant relationship with pre‐eclampsia. It seems that the serum vitamin D levels are low in Iranian women because of their particular lifestyle and they may need more than 400 IU day^?1 vitamin D supplement during pregnancy.     

Ultraviolet B radiation improves serum levels of vitamin D in patients with cystic fibrosis

Background: Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation can be used in the prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency. Aim: To investigate, in a controlled study of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), whether regular UVB radiation would improve serum levels of calcidiol during the dark season (October-April). Methods: Thirty patients with mild to moderate disease were included (aged 9-40 y). All patients had cholecalciferol supplementation. One group (15 patients) was given UVB one to three times a week for 6 mo and one group (15 sex- and age-matched patients) served as controls. The radiation source consisted of three TL 12/40W UVB fluorescent lamps. Initial treatment duration was 1 min, subsequently increased by 0.5-1 min/treatment to a maximum of 10 min. Results: The mean initial serum calcidiol levels were 21 ng/ml in the controls and 22 ng/ml in the intervention group. Serum calcidiol levels increased to 44 ng/ml after 8 wk and to 50 ng/ml after 24 wk of UVB radiation; the corresponding serum levels in the controls were 19 and 25 ng/ml, respectively. The mean serum calcitriol levels increased in the treated group and were unaltered in the control group.

Conclusions: UVB radiation was effective in increasing vitamin D levels in patients with CF. The study results imply that UVB radiation is valuable in chronic conditions associated with vitamin D deficiency.     

Effect of long-term transfusion on growth in children with sickle cell anemia: results of the STOP trial

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether long-term transfusion improves growth in children with sickle cell anemia. STUDY DESIGN: In the Stroke Prevention Trial for Sickle Cell Anemia Study, patients were randomized to receive long-term transfusion (CTX) or standard care (STC). Transfusions were administered every 3 to 5 weeks, and hemoglobin S levels were maintained at 30% pretransfusion for an average of 2 years. Serial height and weight measurements (obtained every 3 months), body mass index (BMI) values, and growth z-scores were analyzed. RESULTS: Children in the CTX (n=53) and STC (n=41) groups were similar at baseline. After 24 months, the z-scores for height, weight, and BMI of those receiving CTX had improved significantly, whereas no changes occurred in the STC group. Patients in the CTX group approached normal height-for-age and weight-for-age z-scores. Patients from a large historical control group had significantly lower weight and height growth velocities than patients in the CTX group. CONCLUSIONS: Patients in the Stroke Prevention Trial for Sickle Cell Anemia Study who received CTX had improved height and weight and BMI over a 2-year period. Higher hemoglobin levels resulting from transfusion may improve growth by lowering energy expenditure. In addition to the prevention of vasoocclusive events, CTX results in significant improvement in the growth of children with sickle cell disease.