Mean Serum Vitamin Research Articles

THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SERUM VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY AND BONE MINERAL DENSITY IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS WITH REDUCED ESTIMATED GLOMERULAR FILTRATION RATE

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), but its impact on bone health remains understudied. Methods: We collected data from CKD patients with eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m², including clinical information, 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, and bone mineral density (BMD) measurements using DEXA between August 2020 and August 2021. Results: In a cohort of 96 patients, 63 (65.6%) were female, mean age was 62.3 ± 10.4 years, mean BMI was 22.8 ± 3.4 kg/m², and mean eGFR was 10.1 ± 7.3 ml/min. CKD staging included 13 (13.5%) in stage 3, 19 (19.8%) in stage 4, and 64 (66.7%) in stage 5, with or without dialysis. Mean serum vitamin D level was 21.3 ± 12.6 ng/ml. Hypovitaminosis D was prevalent in 74 (77.1%) cases, categorized as slight reduction in 19 (25.7%), moderate reduction in 33 (44.6%), and severe reduction in 22 (29.7%). Mean BMD at femoral neck was 0.725 ± 0.157 g/cm², and at lumbar spine, it was 0.873 ± 0.201 g/cm². Osteopenia and osteoporosis were found in 43 (44.8%) and 19 (19.8%) patients, respectively, at the femoral neck, and in 39 (40.6%) and 17 (17.7%) patients, respectively, at the lumbar spine. Statistically significant associations were observed between serum vitamin D levels and BMD at both sites: femoral neck (regression coefficient: 3.3 x 10-3, coefficient of determination: 0.09) and lumbar spine (regression coefficient: 5.1 x 10-3, coefficient of determination: 0.063). Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency was common in CKD patients with eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73m², and a modest but statistically significant association exists between serum vitamin D levels and BMD at both the femoral neck and lumbar spine

IBC-Oxford University2023_BJSOral_9Calcitonin as a satiety inducer; normalizes in one year after LSG in morbidly obese patients.

Abstract Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) is the commonest bariatric procedure done worldwide for morbid obesity. LSG benefits extend beyond it being just a restrictive procedure. Hormonal effects after LSG are well documented in literature. Calcitonin has been ascribed to induction of satiety in mammals. We studied calcium homeostasis in patients(N=21) suffering with morbid obesity who underwent LSG and compared them with non-obese candidates (N=15) who were age and sex matched. Blood samples were collected from patients on day before LSG (day-0), day-180, and day-360 after LSG. Blood sample was collected from non-obese group for comparison. We found that there was no significant difference of calcium in the patients compared to non-obese candidates. We observed that mean serum vitamin D increased on day-180 (M=55.33nM, SD=34.72, p=0.059) and day-360 (M=58.24nM, SD=36.19, p=0.038) from values on day-0 (M=29.48nM, SD=21.03, p=0.423) compared to non-obese candidates (M=35.4nM, SD=22.36). Decrease in mean parathyroid hormone (PTH) on day-180 (M=4.19pM, SD=1.8, p=0.83) and on day-360 (M=4.9pM, SD=2, p=0.31) from day-0 (M=6.19pM, SD=3.53, p=0.06) was observed, compared to non-obese candidates (M=4.31pM, SD=1.2). However, normalization of mean calcitonin was noted on day-180 (M=0.4pM, SD=0.8, p=0.22) and day-360 (M=0.8pM, SD=1.1, p=0.74) from day-0 (M=0.34pM, SD=0.4, p=0.02) compared to non-obese candidates (M=0.7pM, SD=0.41). Results of this study showed normalization of calcitonin, which may have role in satiety after LSG. Larger study is recommended to ascertain the trend of calcitonin after LSG.

Role of Neuroimaging in Suspected Dementia Patients: Utilization of Structural Imaging Algorithmic‐Based Diagnosis in Resource Limited Settings

AbstractBackgroundIn 2050, it is estimated that the number of dementia patients in the sub Saharan Africa is expected to reach 5.05 million, an increase of 136% from the previous estimate of 2.14 million. The objectives of the present study were to assess the neuroimaging findings and associated factors in dementia suspected patients.MethodA retrospective survey of the medical records of 121 suspected dementia patients whom presented to the Yehuleshet Specialty Clinic with subjective forgetfulness were reviewed. The study duration was between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021. Both descriptive and analytical statistics were used to analyze the data.ResultThe mean age was 70.4 (1SD = 10.3) years. Sixty four (52.9%) participants were age below 70. Male accounted for 57.9%. Hyperlipidemia was the commonest (38%) identified vascular risk factor followed by prevalence of hypertension (32.2%) and diabetes mellitus (22.3%). HIV infection was observed in 3.3%. Low mean serum vitamin D level (below 20ng/mL) was observed in individuals with focal & global cortical atrophy and those with white matter hyperintensity. Fifty two (43%) participants fulfilled the clinical and imaging criteria of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). Nearly quarter of the patients had imaging evidences of focal or global cortical atrophy. Eleven (9.1%) had imaging evidences of surgical causes of dementia. the presences of comorbid hypertension, previous stroke, and Parkinsonism were independent predictors of vascular dementia.ConclusionThe present study shows high burden of vascular cognitive impairment among individuals suspected of dementia.Furthermore, the presences of comorbid hypertension, previous stroke, and Parkinsonism were independent predictors of vascular dementia.

Kualitas Sperma pada Laki-Laki Defisiensi Vitamin D di Palembang

Vitamin D deficiency may play some roles in male infertility. Abundant vitamin D receptors exist in male reproductive tracts, implying some significant functions of vitamin D in spermatogenesis and/or testosterone synthesis. This study aims to measure sperm parameters in males with vitamin D deficiency in Palembang, South Sumatra. This study was a conducted as observational, cross-sectional descriptive study on single mother and child hospital in Palembang. Subjects’ serum vitamin D was measured in an accredited external clinical laboratory and sperm samples were collected and examined in same laboratory according to standard protocols. Median age of subject was 30,0 (24-49) years old. Mean serum vitamin D concentration was 21.372 ± 4.202 ng/mL. Median sperm concentration was 21.75 (0.00-137.00) millions/mL. Median sperm count was 66.14 (0.00-370.80) millions. Average progressive motility was 35.64 ± 18.573%. Median normal morphology was 5.00 (0.00-7.00)%. Normal sperm parameters observed in this study implicated vitamin D plays no significant role in sperm quality.

Comparison of 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in breast cancer patients and control group: a cross-sectional study

To assess serum vitamin D levels in patients with breast cancer and compare them against control patients without the disease, testing the hypothesis that patients with breast cancer have lower serum levels of the hormone than patients without the cancer. A total of 101 treatment-naïve patients diagnosed with breast cancer at the Mastology Outpatient Clinic of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Irmandade da Santa Casa de São Paulo (ISCMSP), and 100 control patients without the disease at the Endocrinologic Gynecology Outpatient Clinic of the same institution were selected. Serum vitamin D levels for the two groups were compared. Mean serum vitamin D level was 23.85 ng/dL in the breast cancer group versus 28.19 ng/dL in the control group, where this difference proved statistically significant on Student´s t-test (p=0.002). Patient age was a confounding bias, where no correlation between serum level and age was evident on the scatter plot. Patients with breast cancer had lower serum Vitamin D levels than patients without the cancer. However, longitudinal studies should be conducted to determine whether a causal relationship exists between these variables.

Prevalence and Predictors of Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition, and its Association with Development.

To determine the proportion of children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) having vitamin B12 deficiency, its clinical predictors, and its association with development. In this cross-sectional study, 100 children between 1 mo to 59 mo [mean (SD) age 17 (12.75) mo; 55 males], with diagnosis of SAM as per WHO criteria, were included. Serum vitamin B12, serum folate, and serum ferritin levels were measured by chemiluminescence immunometric assay method, while serum Homocysteine (Hcy) level was measured by enzymatic cycling method. Development assessment was done by Denver Development Screening Tool (DDST-II). The mean (SD) serum vitamin B12 (cobalamin) levels were 296.52 (246.95) pg/mL; 45% children were vitamin B12 deficient (<203 pg/mL). Hyperhomocysteinemia (>14 µmol/L) was present in 39 (39%), and among these 69% (27/39) children had concomitant low serum vitamin B12 levels. Severe anemia and hypoproteinemia were significantly and independently associated with vitamin B12 deficiency [aOR (95% CI) 3.22 (1.13, 10) and 10 (1.66, 58.82), respectively]. Out of 45 children who were vitamin B12 deficient, 93%, 87%, 62% and 80% had gross motor, fine-motor, language and adaptive-cognitive delay, respectively. Vitamin B12 level was significantly associated (P <0.001) with developmental delay. There is a high prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in children with SAM, which is also associated with development delay across all domains (except language) in these children.

Vitamin D as Supplementary Treatment for Newly Diagnosed Pulmonary Tuberculosis patients

Objective: To compare vitamin D with placebo in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in terms of clinical improvement and sputum conversion. Materials And Methods: This is a prospective randomized, double blind, placebo controlled comparative study conducted for a period of 12 weeks in a tertiary care centre in south India. Total Subjects were 60 new cases of pulmonary tuberculosis who are getting TB treatment initiation, Subjects were randomly allocated into two groups, group A and group B comprising of 30 patients in each group. Group A received vitamin D and group B received placebo. Dosage of vitamin D was 0.25mg/day, given in initial six weeks of antituberculosis drug therapy. Serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D was measured at time of diagnosis and at 8 weeks of anti-tuberculous therapy. Measurements of haemoglobin, leukocyte count and serum calcium were done at beginning and repeated at 6th, 8th and 12 weeks. Acid fast bacilli were examined at beginning and on 6th, 8thand 12 weeks. Primary outcome was evaluation of conversion time of sputum smear; secondary outcome was clinical improvement as assessed by TB score. Results: There is no significant difference in mean values of age, haemoglobin level, calcium level,serum Vitamin D, TB score and total lymphocyte count in both groups at start of study.There was no statistical difference in serum calcium level, haemoglobin level and total lymphocyte level at end of study. Mean serum vitamin D level at 8th week of treatment was 27.83±7.09ng/dl in group A and 18.83±2.27 in group B, there was statistically significant difference between two groups. Sixth week sputum conversion in 30 subjects of vitamin D group is 100% and in placebo group, it is 76.7%, which was statistically significant. Conclusion: Supplementary vitamin D when added to first line anti-tuberculous drugs results in shorter conversion time and less severe TB clinical manifestation without any manifestations of hypercalcemia. Therefore, it is recommended to add vitamin D as supplementary treatment to first-line anti-tuberculous drugs in treatment course of active pulmonary TB.

Serum vitamin D level alterations in retinal vascular occlusions

AimTo evaluate serum vitamin D levels in sub-types of retinal vascular occlusions and compare the levels in ischemic and non-ischemic presentations. MethodsThis study included 50 patients of retinal vascular occlusions comprising central retinal vein occlusion, branch retinal vein occlusion, central retinal artery occlusion, branch retinal artery occlusion (study group) diagnosed on basis of clinical characteristics as well as investigations and an age and gender-matched healthy control group (control group). The study group was further classified into ischemic and non-ischemic subtypes and serum vitamin D levels were analysed and compared. ResultsThere were 50 patients of various sub-types of retinal vascular occlusions comprising 13 cases of CRVO, 30 cases of BRVO, 05 cases of CRAO, 02 cases of BRAO and 50 age and sex-matched controls. Mean BCVA and CMT in RVO patients was +1.12 log MAR, 346.72 ± 27.93 µm while in control group was +0.37 log MAR, 236.22 ± 3.71 µm which were statistically significant (p = 0.004; p = 0.002). The mean serum vitamin D value in study group was 18.39 ng/dl as compared to 32.31 ng/dl in control group which was statistically significant (p = 0.001). The difference in the baseline vitamin D value between the ischemic and non -ischemic sub groups among total vascular occlusion was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.010). However, baseline vitamin D levels difference among ischemic and non-ischemic cases in individual sub-types of vascular occlusion was statistically insignificant. ConclusionHigh prevalence of low serum vitamin D levels is seen in patients of retinal vascular occlusion spectrum diseases. Moreover, ischemic types of retinal vascular occlusion have significantly lower serum vitamin D levels as compared to non – ischemic despite having fewer no of patients in arterial occlusion sub-types. Therefore, vitamin D supplements may be considered as possible future targeted therapy in optimizing the severity of disease.

Evaluation of Serum Vitamin B12 Levels in Patients with Colon and Breast Cancer: A Case-Control Study

Background: It has been shown that increased serum levels of vitamin B12 may be associated with some malignancies. This study aimed to compare the serum levels of vitamin B12 in patients with colon and breast cancer and healthy individuals.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 140 patients with colon and breast cancer were compared with 140 healthy individuals matched in age, gender, and socioeconomic status. Serum levels of vitamin B12 were measured through the Electrochemiluminescence method in both groups. The normal serum level of vitamin B12 was between 200 and 800 pg/ml.&#x0D; Results: Among 280 enrolled subjects, 60 had serum vitamin B12 levels higher than 800 pg/ml. Forty-six (32.9%) patients had high serum vitamin B12 levels, compared to 14 (10.0%) subjects in the control group (P = 0.001). The mean serum vitamin B12 level was significantly higher in the patients (380.4 ±540.2 pg/ml vs. 278.0 ±314.08 pg/ml, P =0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in serum levels of vitamin B12 in patients with breast and colon tumors (P = 0.8). A significant positive correlation was observed between serum levels of vitamin B12 and tumor stage (P = 0.001, r = 0.49).&#x0D; Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that serum levels of vitamin B12 in patients with colon and breast cancer are higher than in healthy individuals and are positively associated with the stages of cancer.

Association between serum vitamin D status and uterine leiomyomas: a case-control study.

Uterine leiomyoma is a common gynecological condition that negatively affects women's quality of life. Vitamin D plays an important role in tumor development and progression. However, clinical studies comparing serum vitamin D levels between women with and without uterine leiomyomas are limited and inconclusive. This study aimed to compare serum vitamin D levels in women with and without uterine leiomyomas. This hospital-based case-control study included 150 women who visited a gynecological clinic. The cases included 75 women with uterine leiomyoma, whereas the controls included 75 age-and parity-matched participants without uterine leiomyoma. Serum vitamin D levels were measured in each participant and volumes of the uterine leiomyomas were determined using the water displacement method following myomectomy. The statistical significance was inferred at P<0.05. The mean serum vitamin D level was 15.26±4.96 ng/mL and 22.45±6.93 ng/mL for the case and control groups, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (t-value -7.302 and P<0.001). Within the fibroid group, nine (12.0%), 49 (65.33%), and 17 (22.67%) participants had vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency, and sufficiency, respectively; and in the control group, two (2.67%), 24 (45.33%), and 39 (52.0%) participants had vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency, and sufficiency, respectively. There was significant negative correlation between the fibroid volume and the serum vitamin D level (r=-0.591, P<0.001). Women with uterine leiomyoma had lower vitamin D levels than women in the control group. Lower vitamin D levels were associated with larger fibroid masses. Therefore, vitamin D supplementation may reduce fibroid growth and development.

Serum vitamin D status and its relationship with insulin resistance amongst a cohort of Nigerian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract Background: Insulin resistance (IR) is a cardinal pathophysiological mechanism for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Vitamin D has been proposed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of T2DM. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between serum levels of vitamin D and IR among persons with T2DM in a tertiary health facility in Southern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The study was a comparative cross-sectional study conducted at the medical outpatient clinic of a hospital in Nigeria. Participants included 120 patients with T2DM and 60 healthy controls. Levels of serum vitamin D, fasting insulin, and fasting plasma glucose were determined. IR was determined using the homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR). Data obtained were analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 22. Results: The mean serum vitamin D of the subjects with T2DM was significantly lower than the controls (35.84 ± 11.65 ng/mL vs. 44.71 ± 20.12 ng/mL; P &lt; 0.001). The median HOMA-IR of the T2DM subjects was significantly higher than that of controls (2.26 [2.57] vs. 1.59 [1.53]; P = 0.002). The mean serum vitamin D was significantly higher among T2DM participants with HOMA-IR of less than 2 compared with participants who had HOMA-IR of greater than or equal to 2 (39.80 ± 13.22 ng/mL vs. 33.91 ± 9.75 ng/mL; P &lt; 0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between serum vitamin D and HOMA-IR among patients with T2DM (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: The finding of this study could signify that vitamin D levels may be used as a surrogate marker of IR.

Vitamin D and Calcium Levels among Women of Reproductive Age Group from Northern India

Background: Vitamin D deficiency has been related to poor bone health, increased risk of PIH, obstructed labour, vaginosis and LBW baby among women of reproductive age. Aims &amp;Objectives: To evaluate the serum calcium and vitamin D levels of reproductive age group women and their relation with sociodemographic parameters. Material &amp;Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among non-pregnant and non-lactating women aged 15-49 years, attending the OPD for any musculoskeletal complaints. The study participants were subjected to a pretested questionnaire for capturing information regarding their sociodemographic parameters. Non fasting blood samples were obtained for biochemical analysis of serum vitamin D and calcium. Results: The mean serum vitamin D and calcium levels were 20.94±10.61 ng/ml and 4.82±0.87 mg/dl respectively. The median serum vitamin D levels were 18.1 ng/ml with IQR of 12.43-28.00 ng/ml. The median serum vitamin D levels were significantly less among women residing in rural area and those who were unmarried/separated. Vitamin D level were highest in middle and lowest in upper socioeconomic status (p=0.007). Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is more pronounced among women from rural background and those who were unmarried/separated. These women are susceptible to development of osteoporosis and pregnancy related complications in later age.

Vitamin D level in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: its relationship to disease course and bone mineral density

ObjectiveTo determine vitamin D levels in patients with SLE and evaluate their relationship to bone mineral density (BMD) and the disease course.MethodsThe study included 101 patients with SLE and 29...

Vitamin D Status Among Patients With Dry Eye Syndrome Attended In Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU)

Background: Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a common ocular manifestation. Artificial tears provide relief of eye irritation in patients with aqueous tear deficiency, but do not treat the underlying inflammation in Dry eye syndrome. Aim: To assess the vitamin D status of the dry eye syndrome patients. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Community Ophthalmology, BSMMU, Shahbag, Dhaka, from July 2019 to June 2020. Within the period a total of 50 cases of dry eye syndrome patients that met the inclusion criteria were taken as samples after receiving their informed consent. Detailed history, physical examination and Ophthalmological examination including Tear film Breakup Time (TBUT) of each patient was performed and recorded. Eye discomfort was assessed by the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) the score of which ranges from 0 to 100. A score of 12 was used as a cutoff for normal, 13–22 for mild dry eye, 23–32 for moderate dry eye, and ≥ 33 for severe dry eye. Tear film Breakup Time (TBUT) &lt;10 s was taken as abnormal. Results: In this study, mean (±SD) fluorescein Tear film Breakup Time (TBUT) was 5.89±1.31 sec, Schirmer test without anesthesia was 7.45±2.31mm/5 min, Schirmer test with anesthesia was 9.06±2.06mm/5 min and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) was 34.44±5.64. Mean (±SD) serum vitamin D level ng/mL was 5.89±1.31 ng/mL. 14 (28%) cases were found as insufficient, 33 (66%) cases were deficient and only 3 (6%) cases found to have normal Vitamin D status. Vitamin D level was positively correlated with Tear Breakup Time (TBUT), Schirmer test1 and Schirmer test2 and negatively correlated with OSDI. This correlation was statistically significant for Tear film Breakup Time (TBUT), Schirmer test2 and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). Conclusion: Vitamin-D deficiency appears to have an effect on ocular surface parameters in patients with dry eye syndrome. The Journal of Ad-din Women's Medical College; Vol. 11 (2), July 2023; p 3-8

Assessment Of Serum Cyanocobalamin Level And Importance In Patients With Hematological Malignancies

ABSTRACT&#x0D; Aim: In our study, we planned to investigate the effect of serum cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) levels at the time of diagnosis in patients with various hematological malignancies. &#x0D; Patients and Methods: Two hundred and one patients between 18-75 years old diagnosed with various hematological malignancies and 30 healthy controls applying to outpatient and inpatient clinics of Hematology Department in Necmettin Erbakan University Meram Faculty of Medicine between 2010-2014 years were included in the study. Demographic and clinical data and laboratory findings of the patients included in the study were recorded retrospectively. &#x0D; Results: A total of 231 patients, 132 men (57.1%) and 99 women (42.9%), were included in our study, of which 201 were patients and 30 were healthy controls. The mean serum vitamin B12 concentration of all patients was found as 344.9 ± 279.0 pg/mL. When vitamin B12 levels were analyzed according to diagnostic groups, it was found to be highest in CML (596.0 ± 428.3 pg / mL) and ALL (524.5 ± 442.6 pg / mL) patients and lowest in AML patients (240.9 ± 178, 0 pg / mL); the difference was statistically significant (p

Effect of antiepileptic drugs on bone metabolism in children using biochemical markers: a case control study

Background: Most epileptic patients are diagnosed and treated in childhood and adolescence and this period is crucial in attaining peak bone mass. Few studies are conducted on children showing long term effects of AEDs on bone metabolism. So, the present study was conducted to evaluate correlation of long-term uses of AEDs with changes in bone metabolism using biochemical marker. Methods: Total of 140 subjects divided into 70cases - Epileptic children aged 1 to 14 years who are on AEDs for at least 6months and 70 Controls- Children aged 1 to 14 years not on AEDs. Semi structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic data. Venous blood samples were collected and sent for laboratory investigations like Serum vitamin D, serum calcium, serum phosphorus, Parathyroid hormone and alkaline phosphatase levels. Results: Mean age of study population in cases was 7.74±4.43 years and in controls was7.65±3.72 years. Mean vitamin-D, calcium, phosphorus decreases while PTH and ALP increases with duration of treatment in epileptic children with a statistically significant difference between them (P&lt;0.05). Mean serum vitamin D level in cases and in controls was with no statistical significant difference between two groups. Mean serum calcium, phosphorus, parathormone and alkaline phosphatase levels in cases and controls all had a statistically significant mean difference between two groups. Serum vitamin-D, serum calcium, serum phosphorus was low in patients treated with enzyme inducing when compared to non-enzyme inducing drugs in epileptic children with a statistically significant difference between them (P&lt;0.05). Serum vitamin-D, serum calcium, serum phosphorus was high in patients on monotherapy when compared polytherapy in epileptic children with a statistically significant difference between them (P&lt;0.05). Conclusions: Present study shows that children on AEDs for longer duration had low bone mineral parameters when compared to normal children. The study emphasizes that mineral levels need to be monitored in epileptic patients as they are at a higher risk of falling and bone fractures.

ASSOCIATION OF SERUM VITAMIN E WITH DIABETES IN THE US NATIONAL HEALTH AND NUTRITION EXAMINATION SURVEY (NHANES) 2001-2006

Objective: Although there has long been interested in how vitamin E affects human health, the effect of vitamin E on diabetes is controversial. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum alpha-tocopherol (the main form of vitamin E) and diabetes. Design and method: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001-2006 included 8240 non-pregnant adults aged over 20 in this cross-sectional study. Participants with invalid data on fasting glucose or glycated haemoglobin, serum vitamin E and covariates, including demographics, socioeconomic status, smoking, alcohol, medical history, and vitamin E supplements, were excluded. Restricted cubic spline and logistic regression were used to examine the association between serum vitamin E with diabetes. Results: 7.3% (95% CI, 6.6-8.0) of participants had diabetes. The mean (± standard error) serum vitamin E was (28.62 ± 0.34) μmol/L. Serum vitamin E greater than 45.8 μmol/L was highly associated with diabetes [OR = 1.56, 95% CI (1.24-1.80), P &lt; 0.01]. Stratified by gender, the cut-off serum vitamin E concentration with an odds ratio less than 1.0 was 41.6 μmol/L for men and 48.5μmol/L for women. The odds ratio for high serum vitamin E (&gt; 41.6μmol/L for men or &gt; 48.5μmol/L for women) associated with diabetes was 1.77 [95% CI (1.35-2.13)] in men and 1.49, [95% CI (1.30-1.72)] in women. Conclusions: High serum vitamin E is associated with diabetes; this association is stronger among men. Prospective research is needed to investigate whether there is a causal relationship.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in pre-mass vaccination era among children residing in a rural area of Bangladesh

Background and objectives: There are few details available regarding the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the general Bangladeshi population. There is a dearth of data on prevalence of HBV infection in children and adolescents who were born before the hepatitis B vaccine was introduced in the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). The objective of the current study was to use archived data to describe the seroepidemiology of HBV infection (HBsAg and anti-HBc Antibody) among school children in a particular rural area of Bangladesh. Also, the study correlated serum vitamin A level with the HBV infection status among a subset of children. Materials and method: The study analyzed the archived data of a study conducted in 2003 and 2004. The samples were collected from 1995 children, aged 5 to 15 years, from a purposively selected rural area located about 100 km north-east of capital Dhaka. HBsAg (HBV surface antigen) and anti-HBc antibody were determined by ELISA method. Vitamin A (retinol) in blood was assayed by HPLC technique. The prevalence rates of HBsAg and anti-HBc antibody was determined by simple percentages. All associations between different characteristics were tested by Chi square test. Results: Of the total 1995 children, 988 (49.5%) and 1007 (50.5%) were male and female respectively. Among them, 23 (1.2%) were HBsAg positive or HBV carriers and 79 (8.1%) were anti-HBc antibody positive. Neither HBsAg nor anti-HBc antibody positivity rate showed any difference in male and female children. There was also no significant difference of HBsAg positivity rate amongst children of different age groups; whereas, anti-HBc antibody positivity rate increased significantly (p &lt;0.005) with increase of age. Serum vitamin A was estimated in a subset of children. The mean serum vitamin A concentration was found significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower among HBsAg positive children compared to their age and sex matched healthy control group. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that rural children are in risk of exposure to HBV infection. Increasing HBV seropositivity with age emphasizes the need for devising prevention strategies and to create awareness among the rural children. Further studies are necessary to find out the hitherto undetected sources namely occult hepatitis B cases and the ways of spread of HBV in the community. IMC J Med Sci. 2023; 17(2):007. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55010/imcjms.17.017 *Correspondence: M Abu Sayeed, Department of Community Medicine, Ibrahim Medical College, 1/A, Ibrahim Sarani, Segunbagicha, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh; Email: sayeed1950@gmail.com; J. Ashraful Haq, Department of Microbiology, Ibrahim Medical College, Segunbagicha, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Email: jahaq54@yahoo.com

Serum levels of vitamin D in preterm neonates and its association with respiratory distress syndrome

Objectives: Prematurity and related respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is the major cause of mortality among neonates in India. Although some studies were showing an association between vitamin D and lung maturation, conclusive evidence was not found yet. The objective of this study was to assess the serum vitamin D in preterm neonates and to determine its possible association with RDS. Material and Methods: A case–control study in which the preterm neonates &lt;37 weeks of age and &lt;2 kg birth weight admitted to neonatal intensive care unit and in postnatal wards in a tertiary care center were included and divided as cases-those with RDS and controls-those without RDS. Two milliliters of whole blood samples were collected from the study population for 25 (OH) D levels. Results: (1) RDS was predominantly seen in &lt;32 weeks (&lt;30 and 30–31 weeks) when compared with the other two gestational age groups. (2) The mean serum vitamin D levels in cases (RDS) were lower compared to controls (non-RDS) (6.97 ± 3.24 in cases vs. 17.08 ± 4.15 in controls). (3) A significant difference in vitamin D levels was obtained among those on a mechanical ventilator and received surfactant administration compared to those who were not on a mechanical ventilator or administered surfactant (P = 0.001 and 0.003). (4) A significant association between vitamin D and adequacy of maternal vitamin D-rich food intake and sunlight exposure was found to be present (P &lt; 0.001 and 0.018). (5). Serum levels of vitamin D were found to be lower (3.3 ± 1.6 ng/mL) in cases who died during the hospital stay compared to those who survived (8.4 ± 2.6 ng/mL), (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: A significant difference in vitamin D concentration between preterms with respiratory distress syndrome and those without RDS was reflected in our study. And we also noted low serum vitamin D levels associated with poor outcome.

Serum vitamin E levels in children with human immunodeficiency virus infection in Lagos Nigeria

BackgroundVitamin E supplementation in many adult populations has been found to reduce the impact of oxidative stress from chronic diseases which include HIV infection. With paucity of data among the pediatric population, this study was conducted to determine the mean serum vitamin E levels and its associations with the immunologic status, the nutritional status and the use of highly active antiretroviral drugs (HAART) in children with HIV aged 6 weeks to 13 years.MethodsSeventy HIV-infected children (35 HIV-infected on HAART, 35 HIV-infected HAART-naïve) and seventy age- and sex-matched HIV-uninfected children were recruited to the study. Social class, anthropometric measures, results of serum vitamin E (using HPLC), CD4 counts, and cholesterol levels were inputted into a pretested questionnaire.ResultsThe median (IQR) serum vitamin E levels among the children with HIV was 2.54 (1.55–5.27) μmol/L which was higher than the controls 1.87 (1.63–2.88) μmol/L, p = 0.03.There was a positive correlation between serum vitamin E levels and immunological status using CD4% (r = + 0.141, p = 0.53) and CD4 counts (r = + 0.017, p = 0.91) among the children with HIV. There was no significant association between serum vitamin E levels and nutritional status. The vitamin E levels were higher in the HAART-exposed children compared to the HAART-naïve children but the difference was not significant p = 0.480 and p = 0.485 respectively.ConclusionThe children with HIV had higher serum vitamin E levels. Further research is needed to investigate possible reasons and implications for this including the role of the vitamin E carrier protein in HIV management.