Prevalence of and factors influencing vitamin D deficiency in paediatric patients diagnosed with cancer at northern latitudes

• Aim To investigate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among children with non-haematological malignancies and to explore possible causes of low vitamin D levels among these patients. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study of 458 children diagnosed with solid tumours, brain tumours, non-Hodgkin lymphoma or Hodgkin disease at the University Children's Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and parathyroid hormone levels were measured in samples taken at the time of cancer diagnosis and related to clinical data. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as a 25-hydroxyvitamin D level below 50 nmol/L. Results The prevalence rate of vitamin D deficiency among children with non-haematological malignancies was 41%. There was no association between sex or diagnosis and vitamin D status. Vitamin D deficiency was more common among school children than preschool children (51% vs. 24%). Older age, season outside summer, and a more recent calendar year were significant predictors of lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D. There was a significant, albeit weak, negative correlation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and parathyroid hormone. Conclusion Vitamin D deficiency is common among children diagnosed with cancer, particularly among school-aged children diagnosed outside summer. The prevalence appears to be increasing, underlining the need for adequate replacement of vitamin D in these patients.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Pediatrik (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Pediatrics (hsv//eng)

Keyword

25&#8208

hydroxyvitamin D

solid tumour

brain tumour

non&#8208

Hodgkin lymphoma

Hodgkin disease

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)