Vitamin D deficiency in children with latent tuberculosis infection

Abstract

<jats:p><jats:bold>The objective:</jats:bold> to assess the level of vitamin D and parameters of phosphorus-calcium metabolism in children with latent tuberculosis infection.</jats:p><jats:p><jats:bold>Subjects and methods.</jats:bold> 40 children from 3 to 17 years were enrolled in the study, they all had the abnormal reaction to Mantoux test with 2 TU but no clinical, radiological and bacteriological signs of active tuberculosis; 39 of them received preventive treatment for latent tuberculosis infection during the study. The following parameters were tested: blood level of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (calcidiol, 25(OH)D) (the level of less than 10 ng/ml was considered as pronounce severe deficiency, the level of 11-20 ng/ml as moderate deficiency, 21-29 ng/ml – minor deficiency, above 30 ng/ml – an adequate level of vitamin D); total calcium, and ionized calcium.</jats:p><jats:p><jats:bold>Results:</jats:bold> 87.5% (14/16) of children from the group of 3-6 years old and 96% (23/24) of children from the group of 7-17 years old were found to have vitamin D deficiency; <jats:underline>p</jats:underline> &gt; 0.05. The blood level of total calcium and ionized calcium in all children was within the age norm.</jats:p>