Investigating Hypovitaminosis D and Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome: An Observational Study to Find Subjects in Need of Attention Hypovitaminosis D in Nephrotic Syndrome
Journal of Pediatric Nephrology,
Vol. 11 No. 4 (2023),
5 February 2025
https://doi.org/10.22037/jpn.v11i4.44926
Abstract
Background and Aim: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is associated with variable ranges of
vitamin D deficiency in the pediatric population. This study examines the vitamin D status in
children with NS during active disease in a tertiary care center in eastern India.
Methods: This observational study was conducted for 18 months in a tertiary care hospital
taking 60 cases of NS of 2-12 years of age and 30 age- and sex-matched controls. Serum
25(OH) vitamin D and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were assayed and analyzed.
Results: In this study, the mean vitamin D level (12.54±6.85 ng/mL) in cases was significantly
lower (P=0.002) compared to the control group (22.1±5.8 ng/mL). Mean vitamin D level
was low in all groups of NS cases and the lowest in steroid-resistant NS (SRNS) followed
by steroid-dependent NS (SDNS)/frequent relapse NS group. Vitamin D insufficiency (12-
20 ng/mL) was more prevalent in the first episode whereas deficiency (<12 ng/mL) was
more common in subjects with relapse. Serum ALP levels were raised in 35% of vitamin
D deficient cases but normal in the rest of the deficient, all insufficient, and sufficient cases.
Conclusion: Hypovitaminosis D was more common in children with NS as compared to
the general pediatric population irrespective of sex. Vitamin D status varied according to the
course of the disease of NS. A strong negative correlation of vitamin D status and serum ALP
was observed in children with NS but serum ALP level for screening of vitamin D status
could not be used.
- Nephrotic syndrome (NS)
- Children
- Hypovitaminosis D
- Deficiency
- Nephrotic syndrome, Children, hypovitaminosis D, Deficiency, Alkaline phosphatase.
How to Cite
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