Nahida Z Walli1, Emmanuel K Munubhi1, Said Aboud2, Karim P Manji3. 1. Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences School of Medicine, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. 2. Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. 3. Department of Pediatrics, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Abstract
Objective: : To evaluate vitamin D levels/deficiency among malnourished children <5 years admitted at a tertiary care center, the Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Children with malnutrition may have co-existing vitamin D deficiency (VDD), which may be severe. Methods: : Serum vitamin D and alkaline phosphatase were evaluated, and X-ray of the wrist was carried out on 134 children. Results: : VDD was found in 41 of 134 children (30.6%). The mean vitamin D level was 74.8 nmol/l. The mean alkaline phosphatase level was 176.6 U/l. Sixty-four (48%) children were found to have severe stunting, of whom 20 (31.2%) were vitamin D deficient. Marasmic children had higher odds of VDD compared with other forms of malnutrition. Conclusion: : The high prevalence of VDD in malnourished children underlines the need for active surveillance and aggressive management.
Objective: : To evaluate vitamin D levels/deficiency among malnourished children <5 years admitted at a tertiary care center, the Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Children with malnutrition may have co-existing vitamin Ddeficiency (VDD), which may be severe. Methods: : Serum vitamin D and alkaline phosphatase were evaluated, and X-ray of the wrist was carried out on 134 children. Results: : VDD was found in 41 of 134 children (30.6%). The mean vitamin D level was 74.8 nmol/l. The mean alkaline phosphatase level was 176.6 U/l. Sixty-four (48%) children were found to have severe stunting, of whom 20 (31.2%) were vitamin D deficient. Marasmic children had higher odds of VDD compared with other forms of malnutrition. Conclusion: : The high prevalence of VDD in malnourished children underlines the need for active surveillance and aggressive management.
Authors: Mark A Strand; Judith Perry; Meimei Jin; David P Tracer; Philip R Fischer; Peiying Zhang; Weiping Xi; Sihan Li Journal: Pediatr Int Date: 2007-04 Impact factor: 1.524
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