PO-0986 Investigation And Management Of Vitamin D Deficiency/insufficiency-a Service Evaluation

Abstract

Introduction Vitamin D is essential for bone and skeletal health. The major natural source of Vitamin D is from skin exposure to sunlight. Current evidence suggests that there isn’t enough ambient ultraviolet sunlight from October to April in UK (UK). Similarly, there are reports of rickets re-emerging in parts of UK. There is no internationally agreed consensus regarding cut off value denoting Vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency. Variable practice exits in treating symptomatic and asymptomatic children with Vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency. Aim To evaluate our current practice in investigating and managing children with subnormal Vitamin D levels ( Method We carried out a retrospective data review on all patients Results Vitamin D levels were checked on 136 occasions in 89 patients (60% male). 41% of the values were above 50 nmol/l while 20% were Conclusion Our data reiterates lack of unified guidance and variable practice amongst clinicians managing Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency. Careful attention is required when managing South Asian children with chronic illnesses. There is urgent need for multicentre/national research and unified guideline for prevention and treatment of Vitamin D deficiency in children.