The Status of vitamin D in children with Nephrotic syndrome in outpatient nephrology department, children hospital PIMS

Status of vitamin D in children with Nephrotic syndrome

Abstract

This cross-sectional study, conducted from January to June 2023 at the Department of Pediatrics Medicine, Children Hospital, PIMS Islamabad, aimed to determine the frequency of vitamin D deficiency in children diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome. A sample size of 180 cases was selected, with a 95% confidence level, 8% margin of error, and an expected vitamin D deficiency rate of 47.05%. Inclusion criteria included children aged 5-13 years with nephrotic syndrome, while exclusion criteria excluded recurrent vitamin D deficiency, GFR<70, vitamin supplement usage, and anti-epileptic medication. The study reveals that there is no strong correlation between the gender, age, weight and duration of nephrotic syndrome. Nevertheless, there are significant relationships among these factors and vitamin D deficiency. The children with age group 16-27 kg exhibited low chances of vitamin D deficiency as compared to the children in age group of 10-15 kg. Moreover, young children (4-8 years) were more susceptible to than older ones (9-13 years) and females are more liable to vitamin D deficiency than males. Risk estimates for hypocalcemia indicated minimal impacts of age, gender, and weight. The fiindings from this study accentuate that there is need of vigilant monitoring and tailored inventions, especially for younger children and females, to address vitamin D deficiency in nephrotic syndrome patients. Additionally, research is needed to explore fundamental mechanisms and assess targeted strategies for optimizing vitamin D status and overall health in this population.