G419(P) Blood levels of vitamin D in children and adolescents with cancer. (7th April 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ryan, J; Kagalwala, F; Shankar, A; Brain, C
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 99:Supplement 1(2014)
• Page Start: A175
• Page End: A176
• Publication Date: 2014-04-07
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2014-306237.401
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : Aim: To assess blood vitamin D levels at time of cancer diagnosis in children, to supplement vitamin D where necessary, and reassess levels after 6 months of treatment. Methods: Newly diagnosed children had vitamin D, calcium [Ca], phosphate [P04] and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels checked. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) level of less than 50 nmol/L, and vitamin D insufficiency was defined as a 25[OH]D level of 50–75 nmol/L. Children with levels <50 nmol/L were given cholecalciferol (6000 units/day >10 years, 3000 units/day <10 years) while children with levels between 50 –75 nmol/L received a lower dose (2000 units/day >10 years, 1000 units/day <10 years). Vitamin D levels were rechecked after 6 months. Results: Forty-four children (31 male, 13 female) aged between 4 to 19 years were studied. Twenty-six children were Caucasian and 18 were of Asian/African ethnicity. Only 16% [n = 7] of children had normal Vitamin D levels at diagnosis. The remaining 84% had either severe deficiency [n = 28; 64%] or insufficiency [n = 9; 20%]. Mean vitamin D levels in Caucasian children were 54 nmol/L compared to 35 nmol/L (p < 0.05) in African/Asian children. 50% [n = 13/26] of Caucasian children were considered vitamin D deficient vs. 78% [n = 14/18] of children of Asian or African ethnicity [p < 0.05] There was no seasonal variation in the mean vitamin D levels; 44.6 nmol/L in autumn/winter vs. 47.8 nmol/L in spring or summer. Of those with vitamin D < 50 nmol/L, 3 had serum PO4 <0.89 and high PTH levels. In 2 children, with vitamin D <75 nmol/L, Ca was <2.15 nmol/L. Of the six children who have had 6 months of vitamin D supplementation, levels have normalised in four children [5/7 required treatment doses], and improved but not normal levels in two children One child who had normal vitamin D level at diagnosis but at 6 months, has become deficient [vitamin D <50 nmol/L]. Conclusion: Vitamin D plays an import part in bone metabolism and may also have a significant role in immune surveillance. The majority of our children were vitamin D deficient at diagnosis with significantly lower levels in African/Asian children. Derangement of PTH, calcium or phosphate was rare.