Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in Malaysian children with spina bifida

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Endocrinology
• Public Health

Background:

• Spina bifida is a complex congenital condition affecting children.
• Vitamin D deficiency is a growing concern globally, particularly in vulnerable populations.
• Understanding vitamin D status in children with spina bifida is crucial for their overall health management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in Malaysian children with spina bifida.
• To identify potential demographic, disease severity, and lifestyle risk factors associated with low vitamin D levels.
• To inform public health strategies for preventing and managing vitamin D deficiency in this population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted across four Malaysian tertiary hospitals.
• Eighty children aged 2-18 years with spina bifida were enrolled.
• Blood samples were analyzed for 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels, with deficiency defined as ≤37.5 nmol/L and insufficiency as 37.6-50 nmol/L.

Main Results:

• Vitamin D deficiency was found in 22.5% and insufficiency in 32.5% of the children, totaling 55% with suboptimal levels.
• Logistic regression identified limited skin exposure to sunlight (≤21% body surface area) as a significant risk factor for deficiency.
• Reduced duration of sun exposure (≤35 min/day) was a significant risk factor for vitamin D insufficiency.

Conclusions:

• A high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency exists among Malaysian children with spina bifida.
• Lifestyle factors, specifically sun exposure behaviors, are significantly associated with vitamin D status.
• Interventions promoting adequate sun exposure and potentially supplementation are recommended for this population.