Vitamin D deficiency in pediatric fracture patients: Prevalence,risk factors,and vitamin D supplementation

Objective: although vitamin d levels are not routinely monitored in pediatric fracture patients,identification of children with a vitamin d deficiency may be clinically relevant because of the potential role of vitamin d in fracture healing. this study aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin d deficiency in a pediatric fracture population and to identify risk factors for deficiency. methods: all pediatric patients (<18 years) who were treated for a fracture of the upper or lower extremity from september 2012 to october 2013 in the outpatient setting of a level one trauma center were included in this cross-sectional study. vitamin d deficiency was defined as a serum calcidiol <50 nmol/l. potential risk factors for vitamin d deficiency were analysed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. results: a total of 108 boys (58%) and 79 girls,of a mean age 11.1 years (standard deviation 3.9),who had undergone 189 fractures were included in the study. sixty-four children (34%) were vitamin d deficient. of those with follow-up measurements,74% were no longer deficient after supplementation. vitamin d status did not influence the occurrence of complications during fracture treatment. independent risk factors for vitamin d deficiency were older age,season (spring),and a non-caucasian skin type. conclusion: clinicians who treat children with a fracture should inform patients and parents on vitamin d supplementation. vitamin d measurement and supplementation may be needed for children with a non-caucasian skin type or for those who present with a fracture during spring months. © journal of clinical research in pediatric endocrinology.