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Serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels in normal children and in vitamin D disorders
Insights
Serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels are higher in children than adults, increasing with age through puberty. Levels are reduced in certain childhood conditions but respond to calcitriol treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Biochemistry
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D is the active form of vitamin D, crucial for calcium homeostasis.
- Understanding its levels in children is vital for growth and bone health.
- Reference ranges in pediatric populations are not as well-established as in adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To precisely measure serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels in a pediatric cohort.
- To investigate age-related changes and variations in specific pediatric conditions.
- To assess the impact of calcitriol treatment on these levels.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were analyzed using a precise assay for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.
- 103 children aged 13 months to 16 years were included.
- Levels were compared across different age groups and in children with specific diseases.
Main Results:
- Mean serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D was 43 +/- 2 pg/mL, higher than in adults or neonates.
- Levels increased with age, showing significant differences between younger children and older children/adolescents.
- Significantly reduced levels were observed in childhood uremia, hypoparathyroidism, and Fanconi's syndrome.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels exhibit distinct age-related patterns, potentially linked to puberty and growth.
- Specific pediatric conditions are associated with markedly lower levels.
- Oral calcitriol effectively increases serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in these patient groups.
Abstract:
Using a precise assay for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in serum, the levels in 103 children, aged 13 months to 16 years, were found to be 43 +/- 2 pg/mL (mean +/- SE). This value is higher than reported values in adults and in neonates. Age-related changes in 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels during childhood were also evident. Older children have significantly higher levels than children less than 11 years, possibly indicating changes with puberty and the adolescent growth spurt. The values were significantly reduced in childhood uremia (13 +/- 5 pg/mL), in hypoparathyroidism (16 +/- 1 pg/mL), and in children with Fanconi's syndrome. Treatment with oral calcitriol in these three groups of patients led to increased serum levels.