Evaluation of the Signs and Symptoms of Children for Whom a Vitamin D Test Is Requested: In Which Cases Do Pediatricians Want a Vitamin D Test?

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to assess the frequency of vitamin D deficiency according to age and sex in children and to investigate their relationship with demographic characteristics, presentation complaints, and accompanying clinical findings. Vitamin D levels and demographic and clinical characteristics of 1505 children aged 2-18 years who applied to the hospital between January 01, 2017, and December 31, 2017, were analyzed. Patients who had a disease that could negatively affect vitamin D absorption and metabolism, who were diagnosed with rickets, or who took vitamin D supplements were excluded from the study. The median vitamin D level of children was 17.7 ng/mL, and the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency was 26.4% and 33.4%, respectively. Females were the group most at risk for vitamin D deficiency. Another group at risk for vitamin D deficiency was adolescents. Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency was detected in approximately half of the school-age and preschool children. Of the patients, 18% were admitted to the hospital by their parents to have their vitamin D levels checked. No health problems were detected in 47.7% of the patients whose vitamin D level was checked. Neurological complaints were more common in patients with vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency when compared to the group with normal vitamin D levels (P < .001). The risk of vitamin D deficiency in children is highest in the female sex and adolescent age group. Neurological complaints are more likely to be associated with vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency.