Vitamin (D) levels in children of families with a case of rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease

Abstract

Background The most prevalent acquired heart illnesses in children are rheumatic fever (RF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Differential regulation of innate immune cell subsets by vitamin D has been shown to effect cell maturation, metabolism, antigen presentation as well as cytokine and chemokine response and production. Aim The aim of this work was to evaluate vitamin D levels in children with acute RF and its relation to serum immunoglobulin levels. Patients and methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at Tanta University Hospital, Pediatric cardiology unit, outpatient clinic, and clinical pathology unit in two groups: group 1 which included 49 children who were subdivided into: group 1a: which included 10 RF or RHD patients and group 1b: included 39 children (brothers or sisters of rheumatic patients). Group 2 (control group): included 40 apparently healthy children of matched age and sex. All patients were subjected to full history taking, echocardiographic examination and laboratory investigations (Vitamin D3, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, antistreptolysin O titre, C-reactive protein (CRP), Calcium (Ca), phosphorus, immunoglobulins G (IgG), complement 3 (C3), and complement 4 (C4). Results There is a statistically significant decrease Ca, C4, and vit D3 levels in patient group compared with the control group. Vitamin D level was positively correlated with C4 levels. There is no statistically significant change was recorded regarding Ph, immunoglobulins G, or C3. Conclusion Children with RHD and children in families with RF or RHD are risky for vitamin D deficiency.