Vitamin D deficiency in pediatric clinical practice

Abstract

Vitamin D research suggests it has a role in disorders other than bone metabolism. Objective: To update the information on vitamin D deficiency (VDD) in pediatric clinical disorders. Methods: Search in virtual libraries, giving priority to clinical and longitudinal studies and meta-analyses on VDD in the pediatric age group published in the past 20 years. The terms "vitamin D deficiency", "children and adolescents" (both in Spanish and English) were used as search descriptors. Results:In the pediatric population, VDD is associated with different clinical diseases, such as bone alterations, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, respiratory tract infections, asthma, and autoimmune diseases. Besides, it is associated with prematurity, obesity, malabsorption, use of anticonvulsant agents, and lifestyle characteristics, such as clothing, extreme latitudes, low consumption, and little sun exposure. Conclusions: According to the evidence, VDD is highly prevalent in several disorders and diseases in the pediatric age group. The recommendation is to prevent VDD in risk conditions and to maintain 25(OH)D serum levels > 75 nmol/L.

Association between furosemide in premature infants and sensorineural hearing loss and nephrocalcinosis: a systematic review

“…Additional potential adverse outcomes of furosemide use in premature infants include metabolic bone disease (osteopenia) of prematurity and electrolyte abnormalities related to urinary loss of sodium, chloride, and calcium [ 53 – 55 ]. As with other adverse outcomes, the etiology of metabolic bone disease in premature infants likely has many causes, and infants with severe illness often have multiple risk factors such as insufficient phosphorus intake, vitamin D deficiency, prolonged immobilization, mechanical ventilation, and exposure to steroids and antibiotics [ 56 – 58 ]. However, there is a lack of consensus on the definition of metabolic bone disease of prematurity, with some definitions relying on serum mineral levels and others based on radiographical findings [ 59 ].…”

The application value of serum 25(OH)D3, uric acid, triglyceride, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance in male patients with hyperuricemia combined with hypogonadism

“…Vitamin D is a key factor in the regulation of bone mineralization and calcium homeostasis in both genders. Vitamin D deficiency is widespread worldwide [ 23 ]. A recent study has confirmed that vitamin D receptors are widely present in ovary, testis, pituitary, hypothalamus, and the reproductive system is one of the target organs of vitamin D, indicating that vitamin D may be involved in the regulation of gonadal function [ 24 ].…”

Effect of Vitamin D Treatment on Dynamics of Stones Formation in the Urinary Tract and Bone Density in Children with Idiopathic Hypercalciuria

“…Interest in vitamin D and its properties has increased significantly over the past two decades. Numerous studies conducted in various regions of the world indicate that vitamin D deficiencies occur in all countries, regardless of the latitude and age [15][16][17][18]. This is also true for Polish children.…”