Associação entre hipovitaminose D e frequência de exacerbações pulmonares em crianças e adolescentes com fibrose cística

Abstract

Introduction: recent evidence has linked vitamin D to benefits in lung health. Little is known, however, about the impact of vitamin D on clinical outcomes in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). In this study, we evaluated the association between vitamin D levels and nutritional status, pulmonary function (PF) and pulmonary exacerbations in children and adolescents with CF. Methods: 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels of 37 children and adolescents were evaluated retrospectively. Pulmonary function data, albumin, body mass index (BMI), height for age (H/A) and pulmonary exacerbations episodes were associated with vitamin D levels divided into two groups: normal (≥30ng/ml) and insufficient (<30ng/ml). Results: hypovitaminosis D (25[OH]D <30ng/ml) was observed in 54% of patients. The mean of 25(OH)D was 30,53±12,14ng/ml. Pulmonary function and nutritional status were not associated with vitamin D levels. The number of pulmonary exacerbations over a period of two years (p=0,007) and post-dosing period of 25(OH)D (p=0,002) was significantly higher in patients with hypovitaminosis D. There was a trend of lower 25(OH)D levels during autumn and winter (p=0,067). Conclusion: vitamin D deficiency was associated with higher rates of pulmonary exacerbation in children and adolescents with CF. Vitamin D can be a marker of disease severity or be a significant causal factor for a higher number of pulmonary exacerbations. Prospective studies can help to clarify the causality of this association.