Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 26, 2025
A Precision Medicine Tool for Measurement and Monitoring of Hemoglobin S in Sickle Cell Disease Patients Receiving Transfusion Therapy
The association between vitamin D deficiency and hospitalization outcomes in pediatric patients with sickle cell
Brande Brown1, Kathleen Long1, Levon Agdere2
1Department of Pediatrics, New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, 506 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215, United States of America.
Insights
Low vitamin D levels in pediatric patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) are linked to more frequent emergency room visits and hospital admissions for pain crises. This highlights a potential area for intervention to improve outcomes for SCD patients.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Endocrinology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is associated with chronic pain.
- Low vitamin D levels are known to exacerbate chronic pain in SCD patients.
- The impact of vitamin D on hospitalization outcomes in SCD is not well-studied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between vitamin D levels and hospitalization outcomes in pediatric SCD patients.
- To compare hospitalization rates (ER visits, pain crisis admissions, length of stay) between vitamin D deficient and sufficient SCD patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of pediatric SCD patients (1-21 years old) from January 2015 to January 2016.
- Inclusion criteria: at least one recorded vitamin D level and follow-up during the study period (n=90).
- Comparison of hospitalization rates based on vitamin D status: deficiency (<20 ng/ml) vs. sufficiency (>20 ng/ml).
Main Results:
- Patients with SCD and vitamin D deficiency showed a significantly higher likelihood of ER visits (p < 0.01).
- Vitamin D deficient SCD patients had more admissions for pain crisis (p < 0.01).
- A longer length of hospital stay was observed in vitamin D deficient SCD patients (p < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
- Significant association found between vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/ml) and adverse hospitalization outcomes in pediatric SCD patients.
- Vitamin D deficiency correlates with increased ER visits, pain crisis admissions, and longer hospital stays.
- Further research is needed to determine if vitamin D supplementation can improve hospitalization outcomes in SCD.
Background:
While there is a known association between low vitamin D levels and increased chronic pain in patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), there are no reported studies evaluating the relationship of vitamin D levels and hospitalization outcomes in this population. The aim of this study was to assess this relationship with hospitalization outcomes defined as the number of emergency room (ER) visits, hospital admissions for pain crisis, and length of hospital stay.
Design:
A retrospective chart review of all pediatric patients with SCD (1-21 years old) was performed from January 2015 to January 2016 in an urban-based hospital setting (n = 134). Those with at least one reported Vitamin D level who maintained follow up during the time studied were enrolled (n = 90). Patient hospitalizations rates were compared between vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/ml) and sufficiency (>20 ng/ml).
Results:
Patients with both SCD and vitamin D deficiency were more likely to have at least one Emergency Room visit (p < 0.01), at least one admission for pain crisis (p < 0.01), and a longer length of admission (p < 0.0001) when compared to patients with SCD and sufficient vitamin D levels.
Conclusion:
There is a significant association between vitamin D levels of <20 ng/ml and the number of ER visits, hospital admissions for pain crisis, and length of stay in patients with SCD. Further research is required to assess if correcting vitamin D levels may improve hospitalization outcomes in this population.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:24Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
01:30Vitamins
01:25Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
01:23Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin...
01:29Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
01:23Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption