Deficiencia de vitamina D en niños con enfermedades crónicas evaluados por osteopenia / Vitamin D deficiency in children with chronic diseases evaluated for osteopenia

ABSTRACT

Background: Chronic diseases in children may determine limited sun exposure, use of drugs, and other risk factors of osteopenia. Objective: to evaluate vitamin D deficiency and their risk factor, in children with chronic diseases with suspected osteopenia. Methods: We measured bone mineral density, bone remodeling markers, calcium, phosphate, parathormone, and 25 hydroxyvitamin D levels, and wrist X-ray. Results: We found 8 children of 25 with suspected osteopenia, with biochemical abnormalities suggestive of vitamin D deficiency. All children had low levels of 25 hydroxyvitamin D, 5 had reduced bone mineral density, 4 had hyperparathyroidism, 2 had hyperphosphatasemia, and 1 hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia. None had rickets. Discussion: Osteopenia in chronic sick children is due to multiple factors; however, vitamin D deficiency is a preventable disorder. We recommend that all children with a chronic disease with risk factors for vitamin D deficiency should be monitored with 25 hydroxyvitamin D serum levels