Vitamin D deficiency in children with beta thalassemia major and intermedia

Abstract

Objective: Beta thalassemia major and intermedia patients show a tendency to osteoporosis and pathologic fractures. Vitamin D deficiency increases osteoporosis and its consequences. The aim of this study was to retrospectively determine the frequency of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in children with thalassemia major and intermedia who applied to our Pediatric Hematology department. Material and Metods: Our 42 patients with thalassemia major and intermedia were retrieved from hospital automation records. Blood samples had been taken before transfusion between January to June 2012. Age, gender, serum levels of ferritin, liver enzymes, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, 25-OH vitamin D, and parathormone were recorded. 25-OH vitamin D levels were measured using HPLC. Laboratory normal values for Vitamin D were 30-80 ng/ml. Results: Median vitamin D levels was 12.80 (1.43-47.04). Values were below 10 ng/mL (severe vitamin D deficiency) in 15 cases (36%), between 10 and 20 ng/mL (vitamin D deficiency) in 18 cases (43%), between 20 and 30 ng/mL (vitamin D insufficiency) in 6 cases (14%) and above 30 ng/mL (normal vitamin D level) in 3 cases (7%). No patients had clinical and radiologic findings of rickets. There was no difference in vitamin D level by gender and age. Patients with vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency received 1200 U per day of vitamin D3 supplementation. Conclusion: This is the first report from Turkey about vitamin D levels in thalassemia. Majority of our thalassemia patients (93%) had low vitamin D levels. We advise routine check of vitamin D level and vitamin D supplementation in thalassemia patients.vitamin D supplementation in thalassemia patients. © 2013 by Türkiye Klinikleri.