Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency and Associated Risk Factors in Cerebral Palsy

Objective: To compare prevalence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency in cerebral palsied (CP) with healthy control children and to evaluate possible correlations between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and severity of CP and motor function. Materials & Methods: In this case control study, serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were evaluated in 65 children with CP and compared with 65 healthy children. Blood samples were taken to measure levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase. Regarding 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, patients were classified as sufficient (≥30 ng/ml), insufficient (20-30 ng/ml) and deficient (<20 ng/ml). Results: Mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were 28.03±24.2 ng/ml in patients and 30±1.94 ng/ml in control group. 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency was seen in 44.6% of CP and 18.5% of healthy children. There was no significant difference in 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels between boys and girls, CP types and use of antiepileptics in case group. There was significant negative correlation between age and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. The correlation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and Gross Motor Function Classification System was not significant. Conclusion: 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency is common in children with CP in comparison with healthy children. There was significant negative correlation between age and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels .Routine measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and its proper treatment is recommended to prevent its deficiency and subsequent consequences.