Comparative analysis of serum vitamin D and haematological parameters among paediatric sickle cell and non-sickle cell patients at a teaching hospital in Accra, Ghana: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D is essential for musculoskeletal health, and its deficiency is a global health concern, particularly in the African population.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations between paediatric patients with and without Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in a teaching hospital.

METHODS

A matched comparative case–control study was conducted at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) from May 2020 to April 2022. Study participants included 56 cases and controls. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured, and associated demographic, diet and haematological parameters were assessed. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analysed in Stata MP 15, with summary statistics, t-tests, and correlations reported. Statistical significance was set at 0.05.

RESULTS

The study revealed a significant difference in serum vitamin D levels (p < 0.001) between SCD and non-SCD participants, with a median of 10.0 [6.4 − 17.1] ng/mL for SCD and 19.7 [13.2 − 27.3] ng/mL for non-SCD patients. A total of 32.1% of participants were deficient in Vitamin D (50.0% and 14.3% for SCD and non-SCD patients, respectively). Vitamin D-rich diets, such as meats, oils, milk, and milk products, were significantly higher in non-SCD than in SCD patients (p < 0.05). Laboratory findings revealed significantly lower mean Hb (9.27 ± 1.79 versus 10.99 ± 1.8; p = 0.00) and higher WBC (11.01 ± 4.63 versus 7.7 ± 3.11; p = 0.00) in SCD, with their mean serum vitamin D (11.11 ± 6.32 ng/mL) significantly lower than that of non-SCD (21.85 ± 12.00 ng/mL, p < 0.000).

CONCLUSION

The study revealed a concerning prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among children with SCD. Screening programs and Vitamin D supplementation strategies should be intensified to help improve this situation.