The effect of vitamin d status on pediatric asthma at a university hospital, Thailand

Wijittra Krobtrakulchai, Jittima Praikanahok, Nualanong Visitsunthorn, Pakit Vichyanond, Kotchamol Manonukul, Busadee Pratumvinit, Orathai Jirapongsananuruk, Wijittra Krobtrakulchai, Jittima Praikanahok, Nualanong Visitsunthorn, Pakit Vichyanond, Kotchamol Manonukul, Busadee Pratumvinit, Orathai Jirapongsananuruk

Abstract

Purpose: In the USA and Europe, hypovitaminosis D is associated with increased asthma severity, emergency department (ED) visit, and impaired pulmonary function in asthmatic patients. However, in tropical countries, data on the effect of vitamin D status on asthma is limited. This study evaluates the relationship between vitamin D status and the level of asthma control as well as other asthmatic parameters.

Methods: Asthmatic children were evaluated for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, pulmonary function tests, a skin prick test, and the level of asthma control.

Results: A total of 125 asthmatic children were recruited (boys, 66.4%). Their mean age±SD was 10.8±3.0 years. Vitamin D statuses were: deficiency (<20 ng/mL) in 19.2% of the patients, insufficiency (20-30 ng/mL) in 44.8%, and sufficiency (>30 ng/mL) in 36%. The vitamin D levels were 25.9±9.4 ng/mL in uncontrolled patients, 29.2±8.6 ng/mL in partly controlled patients, and 27.9±8.0 ng/mL in controlled patients (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in pulmonary function, asthma exacerbation, inhaled-corticosteroid (ICS) dose, anti-inflammatory drugs, or ED visit or hospitalization between different vitamin D statuses. Vitamin D deficiency patients were older and had a delayed onset of asthma than insufficiency or sufficiency patients. There was no significant correlation between serum vitamin D and pulmonary function/doses of ICS.

Conclusions: High prevalences of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were found in asthmatic children in Thailand; however, there was no significant relationship between vitamin D status and the level of asthma control or other asthma parameters.

Keywords: 25-hydroxyvitamin D; Asthma; children; corticosteroid; vitamin D.

Conflict of interest statement

There are no financial or other issues that might lead to conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The box plot of serum vitamin D levels in uncontrolled, partly controlled, and controlled asthmatic patients.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
The distribution of serum vitamin D levels in pediatric asthmatic patients.

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