Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency and Associated Risk Factors in Cerebral Palsy, A Study in North-West of Iran

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to compare the prevalence of 25-hydroxy vitamin D deficiency in cerebral palsied (CP) with healthy control children and evaluate possible correlations between serum level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D and severity of CP and motor function. Materials & Methods In this case-control study, serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D were evaluated in 65 children with CP and compared with 65 healthy children referred to Tabriz Pediatric Hospital, Tabriz, northwestern Iran in 2015. Blood samples were taken to measure levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase. Regarding 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels, patients were classified as sufficient (>= 30 ng/ml), insufficient (20-30 ng/ml) and deficient (<20 ng/ml). Results Mean 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels were 28.03 +/- 24.2 ng/ml in patients and 30 +/- 1.94 ng/ml in control group. 25-hydroxy vitamin D deficiency was seen in 44.6% of CP and 18.5% of healthy children. There was no significant difference in 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels between boys and girls, CP types and use of antiepileptics in case group. There was significant negative correlation between age and 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels (P=0.007). The correlation between 25-hydroxy vitamin D and Gross Motor Function Classification System was not significant. Conclusion 25-hydroxy vitamin D deficiency is common in children with CP in comparison with healthy children. There was significant negative correlation between age and 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels. Routine measurement of 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels and its proper treatment is recommended to prevent its deficiency and subsequent consequences.