Abstract
Introduction: Pediatric patients with sickle cell disease and
vitamin D deficiency have worse clinical and laboratory outcomes. This
study aims to quantify the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in this
population and identify possible risk factors for hypovitaminosis D.
Methods: A cross-sectional study with children aged three to
eighteen years old with sickle cell disease. Patients were clustered
into two groups regarding vitamin D deficiency (25-OH-D < 20
ng/mL). Results: 60 patients were evaluated, with a mean age of
10.80+4.21 years. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 46.7%
(21.02±8.47 ng/mL). When comparing groups with and without vitamin D
deficiency, age (p=0.002) and season of 25-OH-D collection (p=0.005)
were statistically significant. Age presented OR 1.23 (95%CI:1.07;1.41
/ p=0.004), as well as the season of the 25-OH-D collection with OR 5.21
(95%CI:1.58;17.14 / p=0.007) for autumn/winter assessment. After linear
regression, an association was noted for age (β = -0,80/
95%CI:-1.29;-0.320/ p=0.002), days of sun exposure (β = 0.83/
95%CI:0.07;1.58/ p=0.032), and autumn/winter vitamin D assessment (β =
-7.94/ 95%CI:-12.02;-3.85/ p=0.032). Conclusion:
Hypovitaminosis D is highly prevalent in this population; meanwhile,
age, season of 25-OH-D collection, and days of sunlight exposure
appeared as risk factors for deficiency.