Underlying Hemato-oncologic, Gastrointestinal-nutritional Diseases, or Prematurity May Be Risk Factors for Hypovitaminosi D in Children.
- Author:
Byung Wook JO
1
;
Nani JUNG
;
Ye Jee SHIM
;
Jin Hyeok CHOI
;
Heung Sik KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Pediatrics, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea. kimhs@dsmc.or.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Cancer;
Children;
Malabsorption;
Prematurity;
Vitamin D
- MeSH:
Alkaline Phosphatase;
Calcifediol;
Calcium;
Child*;
Humans;
Hypocalcemia;
Infant, Low Birth Weight;
Infant, Newborn;
Medical Records;
Parathyroid Hormone;
Risk Factors*;
Vitamin D
- From:Keimyung Medical Journal
2015;34(2):89-97
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: An adequate vitamin D level is important for normal growth, cancer prevention, controlling hormones, and immune regulation. However, no study has investigated vitamin D status in patients with serious illnesses, such as malignancies, malabsorption diseases, or prematurity in Korean children. Thus, we analyzed the results of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-D) levels in children in a single tertiary medical center. METHODS: Children who had their vitamin D level evaluated at Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center from January 2004 to December 2014 were included. We reviewed the medical records and laboratory test results. RESULTS: Ninety-three children (male:female = 48:45) who had their vitamin D levels measured were included. The most common reason for measuring vitamin D level was hypocalcemia with or without neurological signs. Among the subjects, 61 children had hypovitaminosis D (25-D < 30 ng/mL). A positive correlation was detected between 25-D and total calcium levels (p = 0.001). Negative correlations were found between 25-D and immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels (p = 0.002) and between 25-D and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels (p = 0.021). Twenty-three subjects (37.7%) had a critical underlying condition, including a hemato-oncologic issue (18.0%), gastrointestinal or nutritional problem (11.5%), and prematurity or low birth weight (8.2%). CONCLUSION: The levels of total calcium, ALP, and iPTH were correlated with 25-D level. An underlying malignancy, malabsorption issues, or prematurity may be risk factors for hypovitaminosis D in children.
