The burden of vitamin D deficiency in household members of children presenting with symptomatic vitamin D deficiency

The burden of vitamin D deficiency in household members of children presenting with symptomatic vitamin D deficiency

Blog Article

BackgroundMicronutrient deficiencies are common among household/family members due to shared lifestyle and dietary habits.The extent of biochemical abnormalities in household members of children presenting with symptomatic vitamin D deficiency remains unknown.AimInvestigate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and biochemical osteomalacia in the mothers and siblings of children presenting with symptomatic vitamin D deficiency.MethodsAll mothers and sibling of children referred to a single tertiary endocrine centre between January 2018 and December 2021, with symptomatic vitamin D deficiency were investigated prospectively for vitamin uri ease paw gel for cats D deficiency [defined as 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) < 30nmol/L] and biochemical osteomalacia [vitamin D deficiency and elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and/or parathormone (PTH)] as per clinical guidelines.

ReultsNinety-seven family members (68 siblings and 29 mothers) of 29 index cases (median age 1.7 years, 55.5% male) were investigated.The majority (65.

5%, n=19) were of Asian ethnic background.The mean (SD) 25OHD levels of the index, maternal and sibling cohorts were 15 (10), 15 (7) and 20 (10) nmol/L respectively.Vitamin D deficiency was noted in 93% of the maternal and 79% of the sibling cohorts.Biochemical osteomalacia was present in 72% of the maternal and 79% of the sibling cohorts.

Mothers of infants had significantly lower mean 25OHD levels compared to mothers of older children [11 (n=12) vs 18 nmol/L (n=17) respectively, p=0.006)], most of whom were symptomatic (66.6%, n=8/12).None of the mothers had hypocalcaemia.

Among the 10% (n=7) of the siblings with hypocalcaemia, 86% (n=6/7) had concurrent dietary calcium deficiency and 71.4% (n= 5/7) reported symptoms in retrospect.Hypocalcaemic siblings had significantly lower 25OHD (7 vs 15 nmol/L, p<0.001), higher PTH (175 vs 58 ng/L, p<0.

001) and ALP (846 vs 318 IU/L, p<0.001), respectively compared to normocalcaemic siblings.ConclusionsIn view of the substantial morbidity uncovered in household/family members of children diagnosed with symptomatic vitamin D deficiency, we recommend universal supplementation of all risk groups.Biochemical testing and susanne kaufmann vitamin c complex treatment is indicated to replenish stores only in those at highest risk such as mothers of infants, individuals with concurrent dietary calcium deficiency and those with clinical symptoms.