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Characterization of serum vitamin D levels in pediatric patients with chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis
M Paula Sarmiento-Ramón1, Judith S García-Medina1, Diego Botero-Restrepo1
1Endocrinología Pediátrica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Antioquia.
Insights
In children with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, vitamin D levels were generally sufficient. This study found no increased prevalence of vitamin D deficiency compared to the general population in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
- Immunology
Background:
- Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (Hashimoto's thyroiditis) is a leading cause of acquired hypothyroidism in children.
- Previous research suggests a link between low 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OH vitamin D) levels and Hashimoto's thyroiditis development.
- Understanding vitamin D status in affected children is crucial for potential therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OH vitamin D) levels in pediatric patients diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
- To describe the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in this specific pediatric cohort.
- To explore potential associations between vitamin D levels and other clinical parameters in children with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, observational study with retrospective data collection was performed.
- Sociodemographic data, diagnoses, comorbidities, and vitamin D levels were evaluated in 60 pediatric patients (ages 5-18).
- Vitamin D sufficiency was assessed using both Institute of Medicine (IOM) and Endocrine Society criteria.
Main Results:
- Vitamin D levels were sufficient in 65% of patients by IOM criteria and 10% by Endocrine Society criteria.
- Serum calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and parathyroid hormone levels were largely within normal ranges.
- Exploratory analysis revealed no significant differences in vitamin D levels, thyroid antibodies, or thyroid volume.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in pediatric Hashimoto's thyroiditis patients was not higher than in the general population, based on IOM and Endocrine Society criteria.
- No statistically significant differences were observed in exploratory analyses, suggesting vitamin D status may not be a primary factor in this cohort.
- Further research may be warranted to fully elucidate the role of vitamin D in pediatric Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Background:
Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis or Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most frequent cause of acquired hypothyroidism in children. An association between low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OH vitamin D) and the development of the disease have been detected. The aim of this study was to describe 25OH vitamin D levels in patients aged 5 to 18 years with a diagnosis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis in three pediatric endocrinology outpatient centers in Medellín, Colombia.
Methods:
We conducted a cross-sectional observational study with retrospective data collection. We evaluated the sociodemographic characteristics, diagnoses, presence of comorbidities, and frequency of vitamin D deficiency.
Results:
Sixty patients were included. The 25OH vitamin D levels were sufficient in 65% of the cases according to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) criteria and in 10% of the cases according to the Endocrine Society criteria. Serum calcium and phosphorus values were normal in 53% and 45% of the patients, respectively. All patients had normal magnesium and parathyroid hormone levels. No differences were found in the exploratory analysis when comparing 25OH vitamin D levels, thyroid antibody levels, and thyroid volume.
Conclusions:
In this chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis population, we did not find an increased prevalence of vitamin D deficiency according to IOM or the Endocrine Society criteria compared with previous data from the general population. No statistically significant differences were found in the exploratory analysis.
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