Obtaining Vitamin D Levels in Children With Fractures Improves Supplementation Compliance

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Endocrinology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Achieving optimal serum 25-vitamin D (25VitD) levels is crucial for peak bone mass development in children.
• Vitamin D supplementation compliance in pediatric fracture patients was assessed.
• The study investigated if knowing 25VitD levels, patient age, or fracture severity impacts compliance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if vitamin D (25VitD) level knowledge influences supplementation compliance in pediatric fracture patients.
• To analyze the association between patient age and vitamin D supplementation compliance.
• To examine the relationship between fracture severity and initial 25VitD levels in children.

Main Methods:

• Compliance was evaluated in 1818 pediatric fracture patients (ages 2-18) based on self-reported adherence to vitamin D supplementation (minimum 4 days/week).
• Patients were categorized by known (48%) versus unknown 25VitD levels, fracture severity (Abbreviated Injury Scale - AIS), and age.
• Statistical analysis correlated compliance with these patient characteristics.

Main Results:

• Patients with known 25VitD levels demonstrated significantly higher compliance (61%) compared to those with unknown levels (21%; P<0.001).
• Higher fracture severity (AIS 3) was associated with greater compliance (83%) than lower severity (AIS 1/2, 49%; P<0.001).
• Compliance showed a positive correlation with increasing patient age (odds ratio: 1.09; P<0.001).

Conclusions:

• Supplementation compliance in pediatric fracture patients improves when 25VitD levels are known.
• Fracture severity and patient age are also associated with enhanced vitamin D supplementation adherence.
• Ordering 25VitD levels for pediatric fracture patients is recommended to improve compliance and support bone health.