Assessment of serum level of vitamin D in infants and children with Down syndrome

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Abstract

Background
Vitamin D has multiple extraskeletal functions. Patients with Down syndrome (DS) are at more risk of vitamin D deficiency owing to multiple environmental and hormonal factors, so vitamin D supplementation plays a vital role in their lifestyle.
Objective
The aim of the study is to assess serum vitamin D level and to study the several factors that may affect its level in infants and children with DS.
Patients and methods
The study enrolled 50 children, where 30 of them were diagnosed as having DS (group I) and the other 20 were defined as a control group (group II). Detailed systemic examination was performed for all participants. Anthropometric measurements including weight, height, and head circumference were assessed. Blood samples were collected and evaluated for 25-hydroxy vitamin D level.
Results
The mean serum vitamin D level was 30.65 ± 20.64 in group I compared with 55.80 ± 22.79 in group II, with significant value of less than 0.0001. In patients with DS, 6.7% were severely deficient (<10 ng/ml), 53.3% had insufficient serum vitamin D level (10–32 ng/ml), and 40% had adequate serum vitamin D level (>32 ng/ml). In group II, only 20% had insufficient serum vitamin D level and 80% had adequate level.
Conclusion
Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were more prevalent in patients with DS. Vitamin D insufficiency was also reported in the control group, which indicates that it is a common health problem even among healthy participants. Diet rich in vitamin D, adequate sun exposure, and vitamin D supplements prevent vitamin D deficiency.

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