[Vitamin D deficiency in children with chronic diseases evaluated because of osteopenia].

BACKGROUND

Chronic diseases in children may determine limited sun exposure, use of drugs, and other risk factors of osteopenia.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate vitamin D deficiency and their risk factor, in children with chronic diseases with suspected osteopenia.

METHODS

We measured bone mineral density, bone remodeling markers, calcium, phosphate, parathormone, and 25 hydroxyvitamin D levels, and wrist X-ray.

RESULTS

We found 8 children of 25 with suspected osteopenia, with biochemical abnormalities suggestive of vitamin D deficiency. All children had low levels of 25 hydroxyvitamin D, 5 had reduced bone mineral density, 4 had hyperparathyroidism, 2 had hyperphosphatasemia, and 1 hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia. None had rickets.

DISCUSSION: Osteopenia in chronic sick children is due to multiple factors; however, vitamin D deficiency is a preventable disorder. We recommend that all children with a chronic disease with risk factors for vitamin D deficiency should be monitored with 25 hydroxyvitamin D serum levels.