Association Between Serum 25(OH)D Concentration and Clinical and Biological Complications in Pediatric Patients with Sickle Cell Disease

Abstract

In addition to its role in phosphocalcic and bone metabolism, vitamin D also plays a global role in health. Despite high levels of sunshine, vitamin D deficiency remains a public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa, where sickle cell disease predominates. This study aimed to investigate an association between serum vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and the occurrence of clinical and biological complications. The study was carried out in children with SS sickle cell disease aged 1 to 17 years (75 patients) matched to 17 AA controls. Plasma 25(OH)D concentration was obtained by immunoassay. The clinical complications studied were caso-occlusive crisis, osteomyelitis, osteonecrosis, acute chest syndrome, and priapism. Biological parameters included blood count, ionized calcium, and phosphorus. Statistical analysis was performed using R Studio 4.1.2 software. The significance threshold was 5%. Our study revealed a high prevalence of vaso-occlusive crisis (97%). Vitamin D deficiency was found in 4% of patients (3 SS patients) and 36% (27 SS patients) had a plasma concentration between 10 and 30 ng/ml. The association study revealed a negative association between vitamin D and the number of vaso-occlusive crises (r = -0.51; p < 0.001). We noted a positive association between vitamin D and blood calcium (r = 0.347; p < 0.002), phosphatemia (r = 0.347; p < 0.002), and hemoglobin (r = 0.243; p < 0.035). Vitamin D is correlated with certain clinical and biological complications. Vitamin D supplementation in children with sickle cell disease (SS) would therefore be relevant for better management of this disease.