Association between vitamin D deficiency and sepsis in pediatric ICU

Objective
To evaluate association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and sepsis in pediatric ICU (PICU).
Background
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble steroid hormone that helps maintain proper calcium homeostasis and has a role in the function of the immune system. Data on the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) in PICU in children with sepsis and its association with poor outcome were obtained.
Patients and methods
This study was carried out on 45 patients with sepsis admitted to the PICU, Pediatric Department, Menoufia University Hospital, and 45 controls, who attended the patient clinic and were found to be healthy. Demographic data, history, and general and local clinical examination were done. Investigations such as complete blood count and C-reactive protein were done. For measurement of vitamin D, fresh blood samples were taken within 24 h of admission, and level of vitamin D was measured by ELISA. VDD was defined as less than 10 ng/ml.
Results
Prevalence of VDD [25(OH)D level < 10 ng/ml] was higher among critically ill children with sepsis compared with health controls (33.3 vs. 11.1%; P = 0.02). 25(OH)D was strongly associated with pediatric index of mortality (P = 0.02), duration of mechanical ventilation (P = 0.003), length of PICU stay (P < 0.001), and mortality (P < 0.001). VDD was not associated with age, sex, residence, or admission season.
Conclusion
Lower 25(OH)D levels are associated with sepsis. There was a high prevalence of VDD in critically ill children with sepsis, and it was association with poor outcome.