A hospital based prospective study of vitamin D deficiency in a selected group of apparently healthy children one to five years of age

Abstract

Objective: To study the presence of vitamin D deficiency in a selected group of apparently healthy children 1-5 years of age Method: A hospital based prospective crosssectional study was carried out at the Sri Guru Ramdas Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (SGRDIMSR), Amritsar on a selected group of apparently healthy children of age group 1 to 5 years, attending the paediatrics outpatient department for minor ailments or immunization from December 2012 to June 2014. Venous samples from these children were collected in two separate red topped vials (with clot activator), one for vitamin D and the other for alkaline phosphatase and calcium. These vials were sent to the Biochemistry Department of SGRDIMSR hospital. Data so obtained was statistically analysed. Results: Out of a total of 100 apparently healthy children, 78 were found to be deficient in Vitamin D. Vitamin D levels were tested by the Direct ELISA method. Vitamin D deficiency was found most commonly in the age group 4-5 years. Gender wise, 79.4% of boys and 75.7% of girls were found to be vitamin D deficient. Of breast fed children 76.6% were found deficient in vitamin D. Of the children who spent less than 30 minutes per day in the sun 73.1% were vitamin D deficient. Most (80%) cases of vitamin D deficiency were found in the upper middle class. Urban population was found to be more deficient in vitamin D as compared to rural. Fifty four percent of the children with vitamin D deficiency were of wheatish complexion. Dietary insufficiency was found in 67% of the children, of whom 82% were found to be vitamin D deficient. Clinical features of vitamin D deficiency found in our study were frontal bossing, parietal bone prominences, widening of wrist epiphyses and pot belly. Conclusion: In the selected group of apparently healthy children 1-5 years of age vitamin D deficiency was found in 78%.