Serum vitamin D levels in children with recurrent otitis media

Abstract

The aims of this study were to evaluate serum vitamin D levels in cases of recurrent otitis media and investigate the effect of vitamin D therapy on the risk of re-occurrence of the disease. This prospective study was performed by comparing serum vitamin D levels in children with recurrent otitis media and healthy children. Eighty-four children between 1 and 5 years of age and diagnosed with recurrent otitis media were enrolled as the study group. One hundred-and-eight healthy children with similar demographic characteristics were enrolled as the control group. Patients were divided into groups according to their serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels. In patients with low initial serum vitamin D levels, vitamin D therapy was administered in addition to conventional treatment for otitis media. Mean serum 25(OH) vitamin D level in the study group was 11.4 ± 9.8 ng/mL Serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels were below 20 ng/mL in 69 % (n = 58) of cases in this group. In the control group, mean serum 25(OH) vitamin D level was 29.2 ± 13.9 ng/mL and was below 20 ng/mL in 30 % (n = 32) of cases. Comparison of serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels and PTH in the study and control groups revealed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). Treatment was initiated in cases diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency, and patients were followed up in due course. The only episodes detected over the course of 1-year follow-up were one attack in five patients and two attacks in two. We believe that co-administration of supplementary vitamin D together with conventional treatments is appropriate in the management of upper respiratory infections such as otitis media.

Vitamin D: a new anti‐infective agent?

“…Since β‐defensin 2 and cathelicidines are produced not only by immune cells but also by epithelial cells, it is possible that 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 may have additional effects on the development of other mucosal infections. Indeed, a recent study by Cayir et al . reported that mean serum levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D were lower in children with recurrent otitis media compared to controls (11.4 ± 9.8 ng/mL and 29.2 ± 13.9 ng/mL, respectively).…”

“…Serum levels below 20 ng/mL were present in 69% of children with recurrent otitis media, compared to only 30% of controls. Moreover, supplementation of vitamin D in children with vitamin D insufficiency led to a reduction in disease episodes …”

Vitamin D Levels in Children With Otitis Media With Effusion: A Case-Control Study

“…In a study by Linday et al (18), in eiht patients (50%) the level of Vitamin D was under 20 ng/mL, which was considered as deficiency, and in 31% of the patients the level was insufficient (21-29 ng/ mL). Cayir et al (19) reported the mean level of Vitamin D in 58 (69%) individuals was under 20 ng/mL (deficiency), compared to 32 (30%) in the control group. In our study the mean level of vitamin D in OME children was less than the control group, however, the difference between the two groups was not significant.…”

“…Cayir et al studied the role of vitamin D in the treatment of children with recurrent otitis media and concluded that administration of vitamin D, in addition to common treatments, is a good option in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections such as otitis media (8). In another study by these authors, they studied the vitamin D levels in children with acute otitis media and concluded that vitamin D deficiency plays an important role in the incidence of middle ear infections (7).…”

Association Between Endocrine Diseases and Serous Otitis Media in Children

“…It was reported that vitamin D and zinc deficiencies impair the function of the Eustachian tube and lead to middle ear problems and that this situation can be improved with treatment (17,18,19). We did not find a significant difference in frequency of OME between patients with nutritional deficiencies and the control group.…”