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Association between vitamin D levels and urinary tract infections
Masoumeh Piyadah Kouhsar1, Morteza Alijanpour2, Mohammad Pournasrullah3
1Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
Insights
Children with urinary tract infections (UTIs) have significantly lower vitamin D levels. Vitamin D screening and supplementation may help prevent UTIs and improve outcomes in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in children.
- Vitamin D deficiency is linked to various infections, including UTIs.
- This study investigated the association between serum vitamin D and UTIs in pediatric patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between serum vitamin D levels and UTIs in children.
- To compare vitamin D levels in children with and without UTIs.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 120 children (aged 2-18 years) at Amir Kola Children's Hospital.
- 60 children with UTIs (cases) and 60 healthy children (controls).
- Serum vitamin D levels measured by ELISA; statistical analysis using SPSS v.26.
Main Results:
- Children with UTIs had significantly lower mean serum vitamin D levels (17.70±8.35 ng/mL) compared to controls (37.91±12.18 ng/mL) (P<0.001).
- Pyelonephritis was associated with severe vitamin D deficiency (P=0.02).
- Female children aged 3-5 years showed a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency, but age and sex were not overall significant factors.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin D deficiency is significantly associated with UTIs in children.
- Vitamin D plays an immunoprotective role against UTIs.
- Screening and supplementation of vitamin D may be a valuable preventive strategy for pediatric UTIs.
Background:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most prevalent infectious conditions, particularly in children. Vitamin D deficiency has been implicated in various infections, including UTIs. This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum vitamin D levels and UTIs in children at Amir Kola Children's Hospital.
Methods:
This case-control study was conducted on 120 children, aged 2-18 years, diagnosed with UTIs and referred to Amir Kola Children's Hospital, Babol, Iran. Participants were divided into two groups: 60 UTI cases and 60 healthy controls. Peripheral blood samples were collected for vitamin D analysis, measured via ELISA assay. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 26.
Results:
The mean serum vitamin D level was 17.70±8.35 ng/mL in the case group and 37.91±12.18 ng/mL in the control group, revealing a significant reduction in vitamin D levels among UTI patients (P<0.001). Additionally, pyelonephritis was associated with severe vitamin D deficiency (P=0.02). Female children aged 3-5 years exhibited a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency, although age and sex did not significantly influence vitamin D levels overall. Vitamin D status was not correlated with hospitalization duration.
Conclusion:
Given its immunoprotective role, vitamin D screening and supplementation may serve as a preventive strategy against UTIs and contribute to improved clinical outcomes in affected children.
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