Study on serum vitamin D, immunoglobulin and alkaline phosphatase levels in children with recurrent community acquired pneumonia

Abstract

Objective To determine the clinical significance of measuring the levels of 25-(OH)vitamin D3[(25-(OH)D3)], immune globulins and serum alkaline phosphatase(AKP) in children with recurrent community-acquired pneumonia(CAP). Methods Serum samples were collected in children with recurrent CAP (recurrent CAP group, n=38), first CAP (first CAP group, n=123), and age matched normal children(heath control group, n=39). The 25-(OH)D3 level, IgG, IgM, IgA and AKP levels were measured. Results The serum 25-(OH)D3 concentration of the recurrent CAP group was (47.87±2.28)nmol/L, that of the first CAP group was (84.43±4.12)nmol/L, and that of the heath control group was (91.2±7.85)nmol/L, the differences among the three groups were statistically significant (t=3.716, 8.881, all P 0.05). The serum IgM concentration among the three groups had no statistically significant differences (t=0.804, 0.942, 0.918, all P>0.05). The serum AKP concentration among the three groups had no statistically significant differences(t=0.277, 0.661, 0.866, all P>0.05). The serum 25-(OH)D3 levels in 161 cases of CAP patients were not correlated to any of the levels of IgM, IgG, IgA, or AKP. Conclusion The levels of 25-(OH)D3 and IgA are significantly lower in children with recurrent CAP, indicating that vitamin D deficiency may play a role in the pathogenesis of recurrent CAP.Prophylactic use of vitamin D supplementation may improve the immune function and reduce the development of recurrent CAP in children. Key words: Pneumonia; Community-Acquired Infections; Vitamin D; Infant