Recent trends and clinical features of childhood vitamin D deficiency presenting to a children's hospital in Glasgow

Ahmed, S. F. , Franey, C., McDevitt, H., Somerville, L., Butler, S., Galloway, P., Reynolds, L., Shaikh, M. G. and Wallace, A. M. (2011) Recent trends and clinical features of childhood vitamin D deficiency presenting to a children's hospital in Glasgow. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 96(7), pp. 694-696. (doi: 10.1136/adc.2009.173195) (PMID:20584848)

Abstract

Background: The incidence of vitamin D deficiency is unclear in the context of continuing demographic changes and the introduction of new public health measures. Methods: All cases in which vitamin D deficiency was suspected as the primary cause of the clinical presentation were studied. Results: Between 2002 and 2008, 160 cases of symptomatic vitamin D deficiency were identified with twice as many cases in 2008 (n, 42) as in the previous years. The median age of the cohort was 24 months (range 2 weeks-14 years).Three cases were recorded in children of European background, whereas the rest were in children of South Asian, Middle Eastern or sub-Saharan ethnic background. Presenting features included bowed legs in 64 (40%) and a fit in 19 (12%). In one infant, concerns were raised following a presentation with cardiac failure and hypocalcaemia. Summary: Symptomatic vitamin D deficiency remains prevalent in the West of Scotland. There is a need for effective public health education, action and surveillance.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Shaikh, Dr Mohammed Guftar and Ahmed, Professor Syed Faisal
• Authors: Ahmed, S. F., Franey, C., McDevitt, H., Somerville, L., Butler, S., Galloway, P., Reynolds, L., Shaikh, M. G., and Wallace, A. M.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Archives of Disease in Childhood
• ISSN: 0003-9888
• Published Online: 28 June 2010