Manifestations of severe vitamin D deficiency in adolescents: effects of intramuscular injection of a megadose of cholecalciferol

Association between Serum Vitamin D Level and Echocardiographic Abnormalities in Patients with Thalassemia Major

OBJECTIVES

Thalassemia major (TM) is one of the most common blood disorders with a high mortality rate due to cardiovascular disease. Vitamin D deficiency has been suggested to implicate in cardiac abnormalities. In this prospective study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between serum levels of vitamin D and tissue Doppler (TD) echocardiographic indices in thalassemia major patients.

METHODS

A total of 81 TM patients, including 56 females and 25 males, with a mean age of 27.5± 6.8 years, were enrolled consecutively. Serum levels of vitamin D and other biomedical parameters were measured. Then, all patients were subjected to TD echocardiography. Correlations between the serum parameters and systolic and diastolic indices were examined.

RESULTS

The serum level of vitamin D was correlated with systolic and diastolic indices such as the EF (r= 0.33, P= 0.003) and TD Imaging (TDI)-lateral (r= 0.31, P= 0.005). However, no correlations were observed between vitamin D deficiency and the LV septal and posterior wall thickness, TDIseptal, tricuspid regurgitation peak gradient (TRPG), pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), deceleration time (DT), and propagation velocity (PVcm/s) indices. The results revealed also no linear correlations between serum vitamin D and albumin (r= -0.17, P= 0.06), ALP (r= -0.12, P= 0.14), T4 (r= -0.11, P= 0.16), as well as TSH (r= -0.10, P= 0.19).

CONCLUSION

It seems that vitamin D deficiency in patients with TM is associated with systolic but not diastolic dysfunctions, possibly as consequences of related biochemical abnormalities.

Vitamin D in pediatric age: consensus of the Italian Pediatric Society and the Italian Society of Preventive and Social Pediatrics, jointly with the Italian Federation of Pediatricians

Vitamin D plays a pivotal role in the regulation of calcium-phosphorus metabolism, particularly during pediatric age when nutritional rickets and impaired bone mass acquisition may occur.Besides its historical skeletal functions, in the last years it has been demonstrated that vitamin D directly or indirectly regulates up to 1250 genes, playing so-called extraskeletal actions. Indeed, recent data suggest a possible role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of several pathological conditions, including infectious, allergic and autoimmune diseases. Thus, vitamin D deficiency may affect not only musculoskeletal health but also a potentially wide range of acute and chronic conditions. At present, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is high in Italian children and adolescents, and national recommendations on vitamin D supplementation during pediatric age are lacking. An expert panel of the Italian Society of Preventive and Social Pediatrics reviewed available literature focusing on randomized controlled trials of vitamin D supplementation to provide a practical approach to vitamin D supplementation for infants, children and adolescents.

Effect of intramuscular cholecalciferol megadose in children with nutritional rickets

BACKGROUND

The treatment practices for vitamin D deficiency rickets are highly variable. Though a single intramuscular (IM) megadose of vitamin D is economical, and ensures good compliance, it poses the risk of hypervitaminosis D. This observational study was conducted to assess the duration of effect and safety of single IM megadose of cholecalciferol in the treatment of vitamin D deficiency rickets.

METHODS

Children younger than 14 years with rickets were enrolled. Baseline investigations included radiograph of wrists and estimation of serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), 25(OH) vitamin D and parathormone (PTH) levels. All children received a single IM megadose of vitamin D3. Biochemical parameters were re-evaluated at 1.5, 3 and 6 months after the megadose and the values were compared to the baseline.

RESULTS

We enrolled 21 children, out of which nine remained under active follow-up till 6 months. Radiological evidence of rickets was present in all 21 children, 14 had hypocalcemia at the time of presentation. After IM cholecalciferol megadose, median 25 hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] level remained significantly more than the baseline till 6 months after the megadose. At 1.5 months after the vitamin D megadose, three (30%) of the children were found to develop toxic levels of vitamin D (>150 ng/mL), although none had hypercalcemia or any clinical manifestation of vitamin D toxicity. At 3 months and 6 months after the megadose, 25(OH)D levels remained in the sufficient range (20-100 ng/mL) in seven out of the eight children who came for follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

A single IM megadose of vitamin D may be effective in significantly increasing the 25(OH)D levels for at least 6 months in children with rickets, but elevation of 25(OH)D to toxic range raises concern regarding its safety.

What diseases are causally linked to vitamin D deficiency?

The classical clinical consequence of vitamin D deficiency is osteomalacia, presenting as rickets in children. This remains a common problem in parts of the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent, and occurs when serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are <25 nmol/L. Osteomalacia remains the only problem that is unequivocally a consequence of vitamin D deficiency. Low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D are observed in a wide range of conditions, but consistent trial evidence of amelioration of these conditions with vitamin D is lacking. Monotherapy with vitamin D has not been found to be effective in meta-analyses of trials assessing its effects on bone density, fractures or falls. At present, supplements should be advised for individuals at risk of having serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in the 25-40 nmol/L range, or below, with a view to prevention of osteomalacia.

Vitamin D Deficiency in Children and Adolescents in Bağcılar, İstanbul

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of seasonal 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] deficiency and insufficiency in children and adolescents living in Bağcılar, district of İstanbul city.

METHODS

Serum vitamin D levels of 280 children aged 3-17 years old were measured at the end of winter and at the end of summer. Of the total group, vitamin D levels were re-measured in 198 subjects. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as a serum 25(OH)D level less than 15 ng/mL and insufficiency-as levels between 15 and 20 ng/mL. Patients whose vitamin D levels were less than 15 ng/mL at the end of winter were treated with 2000 units/day of vitamin D for 3 months.

RESULTS

In the "end of winter" samples, 25(OH)D deficiency was present in 80.36% of the subjects and insufficiency in 11.79%. In the "end of summer" samples, vitamin D deficiency was detected in 3.44% and insufficiency in 27.75%. Vitamin D levels in the "end of winter" samples were not significantly different between boys and girls, while "end of summer" levels were significantly lower in girls (p=0.015). Sunlight exposure was significantly higher in boys (p=0.011). The group with sufficient dairy product consumption had significantly higher vitamin D levels in both "end of summer" and "end of winter" samples. Limb pain was frequently reported in children with low vitamin D levels in the "end of winter" samples (p=0.001). Negative correlations were observed between vitamin D levels and season and also between vitamin D levels and age.

CONCLUSION

It is essential to provide supplemental vitamin D to children and adolescents to overcome the deficiency seen especially at the end of winter.

Building healthy bones throughout life: an evidence-informed strategy to prevent osteoporosis in Australia

Osteoporosis imposes a tremendous burden on Australia: 1.2 million Australians have osteoporosis and 6.3 million have osteopenia. In the 2007–08 financial year, 82 000 Australians suffered fragility fractures, of which > 17 000 were hip fractures. In the 2000–01 financial year, direct costs were estimated at $1.9 billion per year and an additional $5.6 billion on indirect costs. Osteoporosis was designated a National Health Priority Area in 2002; however, implementation of national plans has not yet matched the rhetoric in terms of urgency. Building healthy bones throughout life, the Osteoporosis Australia strategy to prevent osteoporosis throughout the life cycle, presents an evidence-informed set of recommendations for consumers, health care professionals and policymakers. The strategy was adopted by consensus at the Osteoporosis Australia Summit in Sydney, 20 October 2011. Primary objectives throughout the life cycle are: to maximise peak bone mass during childhood and adolescence to prevent premature bone loss and improve or maintain muscle mass, strength and functional capacity in healthy adults to prevent and treat osteoporosis in order to minimise the risk of suffering fragility fractures, and reduce falls risk, in older people. The recommendations focus on three affordable and important interventions — to ensure people have adequate calcium intake, vitamin D levels and appropriate physical activity throughout their lives. Recommendations relevant to all stages of life include: daily dietary calcium intakes should be consistent with Australian and New Zealand guidelines serum levels of vitamin D in the general population should be above 50nmol/L in winter or early spring for optimal bone health regular weight-bearing physical activity, muscle strengthening exercises and challenging balance/mobility activities should be conducted in a safe environment.

Vitamin D deficiency in adolescents

The prevalence of severe vitamin D deficiency (VDD) in adolescents is variable but considerably high in many countries, especially in Middle-east and Southeast Asia. Different factors attribute to this deficiency including lack of sunlight exposure due to cultural dress codes and veiling or due to pigmented skin, and less time spent outdoors, because of hot weather, and lower vitamin D intake. A potent adaptation process significantly modifies the clinical presentation and therefore clinical presentations may be subtle and go unnoticed, thus making true prevalence studies difficult. Adolescents with severe VDD may present with vague manifestations including pain in weight-bearing joints, back, thighs and/or calves, difficulty in walking and/or climbing stairs, or running and muscle cramps. Adaptation includes increased parathormone (PTH) and deceased insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) secretion. PTH enhances the tubular reabsorption of Ca and stimulates the kidneys to produce 1, 25-(OH) 2D3 that increases intestinal calcium absorption and dissolves the mineralized collagen matrix in bone, causing osteopenia and osteoporosis to provide enough Ca to prevent hypocalcaemia. Decreased insulin like growth factor-I (IGF-I) delays bone growth to economize calcium consumption. Radiological changes are not uncommon and include osteoporosis/osteopenia affecting long bones as well as vertebrae and ribs, bone cysts, decalcification of the metaphysis of the long bones and pseudo fractures. In severe cases pathological fractures and deformities may occur. Vitamin D treatment of adolescents with VDD differs considerably in different studies and proved to be effective in treating all clinical, biochemical, and radiological manifestations. Different treatment regiments for VDD have been discussed and presented in this mini-review for practical use. Adequate vitamin D replacement after treating VDD, improving calcium intake (milk and dairy products), encouraging adequate exposure to the sun and possible enrichment of the stable food with vitamin D in areas with high prevalence of VDD are important measures to prevent the harmful consequences of VDD.

Vitamin D deficiency in a tropical country--treatment and prevention in children

Vitamin D has an important role to play in skeletal and extraskeletal health. Inspite of being a sun rich country, India has widespread vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to serious consequences like hypocalcemic seizures and increased risk of respiratory tract infections in neonates and infants. International expert groups advocate universal supplementation for non-formula fed infants, pregnant and lactating women and those at risk of deficiency. A body of literature on vitamin D status in India is being generated, which may guide clinical practice in our country. Treatment of deficiency must be undertaken with minimally effective doses to avoid the risk of toxicity. Sensible sunshine exposure should be encouraged to facilitate vitamin D production from natural sources.

Hypovitaminosis D in the Middle East and North Africa: Prevalence, risk factors and impact on outcomes

BACKGROUND

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region registers some of the highest rates of hypovitaminosis D worldwide.  

AIM

We systematically reviewed the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D, rickets and osteomalacia, their predictors and impact on major outcomes, in the region.

METHODS

Medline, Pubmed and Embase search engines, entering keywords and concepts, combined with individual countries of interest, were used. Search was limited years 2000-2012; and review articles were used for the period preceding year 2000.

RESULTS

Rickets and osteomalacia still occur in this sunny region. Hypovitaminosis D prevails, with rates varying 30-90%, considering a desirable serum 25 hydroxy-vitamin D [25(OH)D] of 20 ng/ml. Advancing age, female gender, multi-parity, clothing style, season, socio-economic status and urban living are recognized predictors of hypovitaminosis D in adults. Prolonged breastfeeding without vitamin D supplementation and low dietary calcium intake are the recognized risk factors for rickets and hypovitaminosis D in children.. Associations with pain score and disease activity in rheumatologic disorders, viral load and interleukins in hepatitis C, BMI, lipids and insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, heart failure and mortality are described. Sun exposure in adults decreased prevalence of metabolic syndrome in one study. Few randomized vitamin D trials revealed that the majority of mothers or children failed to achieve a desirable 25(OH)D level, even with doses by far exceeding current recommendations. A trial in adolescent girls reveals substantial bone and lean mass increments.

CONCLUSION

Hypovitaminosis D is prevalent in MENA. The lack of populations based studies, gaps in studies in infants, pre-pubertal children and pregnant women, hinder the development of region specific guidelines and constitute a major obstacle to impact this chronic and most often subclinical disease.

Vitamin d status in thalassemia major: an update

The survival of patients with thalassemia major has progressively improved with advances in therapy; however, osteoporosis and cardiac dysfunction remain frequent complications. Adequate circulating levels of vitamin D are essential for optimal skeletal health and reducing fracture risk. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency is reported to be high in thalassemic patients in many countries despite the presence of good sunshine and routine prescription of 400-1,000 IU vitamin D per day. The risk of vitamin D deficiency in thalassemia and its relation to bone disease; including osteoporosis, rickets, scoliosis, spinal deformities and fractures as well as to cardiac dysfunction is discussed in this mini-review. Monitoring and maintaining normal serum level of 25-OH vitamin D through oral intake of vitamin D and early correction of VDD by oral or parental use of vitamin D may significantly improve bone mineral accretion and ameliorate cardiac function.

Double blind randomized control study of intramuscular vitamin D3 supplementation in tropical calcific pancreatitis

Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in chronic pancreatitis (CP), but the optimal route and dose of vitamin D supplementation are unknown. We evaluated the relative efficacy of two different doses of intramuscular (i.m.) vitamin D(3) in patients with CP and vitamin D insufficiency. In a double-blind randomized study, 40 patients with tropical calcific pancreatitis with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) <75 nmol/L (mean 27.0 ± 14.5 nmol/L, <50 nmol/L in 90 %) were divided into three groups. Groups 1 and 2 received 600,000 IU (15,000 μg) and 300,000 IU (7,500 μg) i.m. cholecalciferol, respectively, while group 3 received i.m. saline. All groups received 1 g calcium and 500 IU (12.5 μg) vitamin D(3) orally daily and were studied for 9 months. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with vitamin D sufficiency (25OHD >75 nmol/L) at 6 months. Vitamin D sufficiency was significantly different in the three groups (85, 29, and 0 % in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively; p < 0.001). Mean 25OHD remained >75 nmol/L in months 1-6 in group 1 but reached a lower level (50-75 nmol/L) at these time points in group 2. At 6 months, serum alkaline phosphatase decreased significantly only in group 1 (230 ± 73 vs 165 ± 39 IU/L, p = 0.004). No patient in any group developed hypervitaminosis D or hypercalcemia. In conclusion, in patients with CP, a single i.m. injection of 600,000 IU was more effective at achieving vitamin D sufficiency over 6 months compared with 300,000 IU vitamin D(3). (Clinical Trials.gov number NCT00956839).

Nutrition assessment and support in children with end-stage liver disease

Malnutrition is a treatable complication in children with end-stage liver disease (ESLD). Biliary atresia and other cholestatic disorders are the most frequent cause of ESLD in children. No single variable provides adequate information about nutrition status, yet effective nutrition support is the one intervention known to improve pre- and posttransplant outcomes. A proactive approach consisting of screening anthropometry interpreted using appropriate growth references, recognition of clinical manifestations associated with micronutrient deficiency, and timely aggressive nutrition support is of a paramount importance to maximize anabolism and optimize outcomes. This article presents the principles of nutrition assessment, intervention, and monitoring in children with ESLD.

Prevalence of vitamin d insufficiency in qatar: a systematic review

Qatar has a high burden of chronic diseases including obesity, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Low serum vitamin D levels have been implicated in the development and progression of a range of these chronic conditions. The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency in the general population of Qatar has still not been investigated. The aim of this study was to carry out a systematic review of published studies documenting the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency in the Qatari population. A search strategy was developed for online databases (PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase and Embase Classic) between 1980 to the last week of August 2012, and bibliographies of the included studies were further searched for additional reports. Search terms used were QATAR and VITAMIN D. Studies reporting the serum levels of vitamin D in several Qatari sub-populations were identified. Weighted-average vitamin D serum levels and prevalence of low vitamin D status (<75 nmol/L) were calculated. Subgroup analysis was carried out by age. The quality of each study was evaluated according to four criteria: national representativeness, representation of males and females, the sample size, and the sampling protocol. A total of 16 relevant publications were identified, and 8 of these (reporting from 7 unique studies) met our inclusion and exclusion criteria with a total number of 1,699 Qatari subjects. The pooled sample size weighted-average vitamin D concentration (±SD) was 45.3±14.3 nmol/L (95% CI: 44.6-46.0; range 29.2-66.9 nmol/L). The weighted-average prevalence of low vitamin D status was 90.4% (95% CI: 90.1-91.0; range 83%-91%). Age was inversely correlated with vitamin D levels and directly with its insufficiency/deficiency prevalence. There have only been a few studies on the prevalence of low vitamin D in Qatar a very high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency in Qatar that increases with age has been suggested. The present report underlines the need to develop a nationally representative study to further evaluate vitamin D status in Qatar. Given the growing evidence of the role of vitamin D in chronic disease, this study could help develop public health strategies for disease prevention in Qatar.

Vitamin D bioavailability in cystic fibrosis: a cause for concern?

Despite the inclusion of extra vitamin D in their regimen of fat-soluble vitamin supplementation, cystic fibrosis patients remain chronically depleted of vitamin D. The persistence of suboptimal vitamin D status is often blamed on the maldigestion and malabsorption of fat. However, the mitigated success of recent clinical trials with high-dose vitamin D supplementation suggests that vitamin D bioavailability might be impaired in these patients. Given the growing understanding of the importance of this vitamin in the regulation of multiple biological functions beyond skeletal health, the present review analyzes the current literature by addressing each step of vitamin D metabolism and action in the context of this life-limiting pathology. In addition, it highlights the importance of vitamin D in relation to organs and or conditions affected by cystic fibrosis.