Estimation of Calcidiol Level in Serum of Atopic Dermatitis Patients before and after NB-UVB Phototherapy in Comparison to Oral Vitamin D Therapy

Abstract

Background: Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is still a challenge, with Narrow band (NB-UVB) considered to be a corner stone. Calcidiol deficiency is one of the factors in the pathogenesis of AD, thus supplementation with oral calcidiol is assumed to offer additional therapeutic option for such patients. Aim of study: Was to assess the possible role of calcidiol in the treatment of AD whether it is induced by phototherapy or given as an oral supplementation. Patients and methods: 30 pediatric patients with AD were enrolled in this study and divided into 2 equal groups. Group Ι patients received 24 sessions of NB- UVB and group ΙΙ patients received oral calcidiol (600 IU/day orally) for 2 months. A blood sample was taken and SCORAD index was assessed before and after treatment for all patients. 20 controls were also included. Results: At baseline, the mean level of calcidiol was significantly lower in AD patients (92.53 ± 22.42 ng/ml) in comparison to controls (132.18 ± 48.27 ng/ml) (P=0.005). Two months after therapy, both groups showed elevation of calcidiol level with no statistical difference between them (P=0.66), and also improvement of SCORAD index with no statistical difference between both groups (P=0.172). Conclusion: The current study proves the suggested role of calcidiol deficiency in AD especially in the pediatric group. In addition, it demonstrated the high efficacy of oral supplementation of calcidiol in the management of AD children that was comparable to documented results of NB-UVB.