Is Vitamin D Insufficiency to Blame for Recurrent Wheezing

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D (VitD) and its metabolites play important roles in the regulation of the respiratory and immune systems. The aim of this study was to examine serum 25(OH) vitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and VitD deficiency on the development of wheezing and clinical features. Methods: This study was a prospective cross-sectional survey that included a total of 70 infants being followed in the Pediatric Immunology and Allergy Unit at Ondokuz Mayis University. Forty of these infants (patient group), ranging in age from 1 to 3 years, had been diagnosed as wheezy infants; 30 were age-and-gender matched healthy infants (control group). Prior to the study, blood samples were taken from both groups to determine their serum VitD, blood eosinophil, and serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels. Results: The duration of breastfeeding was similar for both groups. The serum 25(OH)D levels of the patient group were significantly lower than those of the control group. Although there was a negative relationship between 25(OH)D level and IgE<inf>(log10)</inf> values for the wheezy infants with VitD deficiency, the control group had a negative relationship between VitD level and IgE<inf>(log10)</inf>. Conclusion: Serum 25(OH)D levels must be evaluated when following wheezy infants, and those with deficiency must be treated with VitD. © 2014 ARS-AAOA, LLC.