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Vitamin D deficiency in infants and young children born to migrant parents
J J Pillow1, P J Forrest, C P Rodda
1Newborn Services, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
Insights
Nutritional vitamin D deficiency affects infants and young children of migrant parents in Melbourne. Early identification and vitamin D supplementation are crucial for prevention and management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Nutritional vitamin D deficiency presents a significant health concern in infants and young children.
- Migrant populations are identified as a high-risk group for this deficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the current presentation patterns of nutritional vitamin D deficiency in Melbourne children.
- To understand the clinical and biochemical features at diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective descriptive review of case records.
- Analysis of children under 5 years diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency or hypocalcaemia (January 1992 - January 1994).
Main Results:
- 13 infants and young children were identified with nutritional vitamin D deficiency.
- All affected children had migrant parents and were breastfed; 77% were under 1 year old.
- Associated deficiencies (iron, B12) and low maternal vitamin D levels were noted.
Conclusions:
- Nutritional vitamin D deficiency remains a concern for infants and young children of migrant families in Melbourne.
- Healthcare providers should be vigilant, especially when managing women and infants from migrant communities.
- Consider vitamin D supplementation for high-risk pregnant women and their infants.
Objective:
To determine the current modes of presentation for the development of nutritional vitamin D deficiency in Melbourne children.
Methodology:
A retrospective descriptive review was undertaken of the case records of children less than 5 years of age discharged from three Melbourne hospitals with a diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency or hypocalcaemia from January 1992 to January 1994.
Results:
The study identified 13 infants and young children whose hospital admission was related to nutritional vitamin D deficiency. Significant morbidity and a broad spectrum of biochemical and clinical features were noted at presentation. All children had migrant parents and were either exclusively or predominantly breast fed. Ten infants (77%) were less than 1 year at presentation. Associated deficiencies of iron and B12 were present in five cases. Of the five mothers tested, serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 was low in four.
Conclusions:
Nutritional vitamin D deficiency is a continuing health problem in infants and young children born to migrant parents living in Melbourne. Paediatricians, obstetricians and general practitioners, particularly those managing women and infants from migrant communities, should be aware of this condition. Vitamin D supplementation to high-risk women during pregnancy and to their infants should be considered.