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Open Access 01-12-2019 | Vitamin D Deficiency | Research article

Evaluation of the vitamin D and biomedical statuses of young children with β-thalassemia major at a single center in southern China

Authors: Uet Yu, Li Chen, Xiaodong Wang, Xiaoling Zhang, Yue Li, Feiqiu Wen, Sixi Liu

Published in: BMC Pediatrics | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Background

In young children, β-thalassemia major (β-TM) is associated with potentially severe clinical characteristics, including poor growth, feeding difficulties, hepatosplenomegaly, bone metabolic disorders, and skeletal abnormalities.

Methods

In this study, we reviewed the demographic and clinical characteristics (e.g., age, sex, duration of blood transfusion and chelating therapy, and vitamin supplementation) and serum biomarker levels (e.g., iron accumulation, bone metabolism, liver, kidney, and thyroid function markers) of 32 patients that received regular blood transfusion at a single center in southern China with the aim of stratifying the risk of severe complications such as osteopenia, endocrinopathies, and multi-organ failures.

Results

Although all patients exhibited moderately to strongly elevated serum ferritin levels, this biomarker was significantly higher in children older than ≥5 years, compared to younger children (*p < 0.05, 1512 ± 192.6 vs. 2337 ± 299.8 ng/ml, Mann-Whitney U test). Older children had a significantly lower 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 (25(OH)D₃) level, compared to younger children (**p < 0.01, 34.25 ± 11.06 vs. 23.05 ± 9.95 ng/ml, Mann-Whitney U test). No age-related differences were observed in serum calcium, phosphorus, and PTH levels. Regarding liver function, the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level was significantly increased in children older than ≥5 years, compared to younger children (*p < 0.05, 19.17 ± 2.44 vs. 43.45 ± 9.82I U/ml, Mann-Whitney U test). However, no age-related differences were observed in the serum levels of other liver or kidney and thyroid biomarkers.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that in older children, hepatic iron overload may be associated with a low serum concentration of 25(OH)D₃, an indicator of vitamin D deficiency and altered bone metabolism. Iron accumulation may also be associated with a higher concentration of ALT, a sensitive marker of liver malfunction. These findings may provide important clinical indications of the need for intervention to prevent severe complications in children with β thalassemia.

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Title: Evaluation of the vitamin D and biomedical statuses of young children with β-thalassemia major at a single center in southern China
Authors: Uet Yu
Li Chen
Xiaodong Wang
Xiaoling Zhang
Yue Li
Feiqiu Wen
Sixi Liu
Publication date: 01-12-2019
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Vitamin D Deficiency
Thalassemia
Published in: BMC Pediatrics / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2431
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-019-1744-8

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Evaluation of the vitamin D and biomedical statuses of young children with β-thalassemia major at a single center in southern China

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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