Assessment of severity of cystic fibrosis in children depending on the vitamin D status

Abstract

Introduction.

Severity of CF depends on speed of lung disease progression which depend on many factors. Patients with CF suffer from vitamin D deficiency that could contribute to decreasing of lung function due to anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity. Correction of vitamin D₃ level may be a potentially effective way to keep pulmonary function in such patients.

Purpose. Evaluation of severity of CF in children depending on the vitamin D₃ level in blood serum.

Materials and methods. 84 children suffering from CF have been examined. Level of 25 (ОН) D₃ in blood serum measured with immunosorbent assay. Patients were performed spirometry and the bacteriograms of sputum coughed up by children were analyzed.

Results.  Measurement of serum vitamin D₃ among children with cystic fibrosis showed that 58,3% of subjects had insufficiency. Children who suffered from severe CF had significant lower serum 25 (OH) D₃ concentrations. It was shown that children with insufficient level of 25 (OH) D₃ had higher risk of FEV₁ rate decreasing less than 64 %, and significant association with Ps. aeruginosa-positive culture was detected. Subjects with sufficient 25 (OH) D₃ had strong association with higher rates of FEV₁ and risk of Ps. aeruginosa-positive culture was also decreased.

Conclusions.  Vitamin D insufficiency is common among children with cystic fibrosis. It was found that there is a relationship between the content of 25 (OH) D₃ and the severity of the disease. Children with low levels of 25 (OH) D₃ are associated with lower FEV1 rates and have a higher risk of positive culture of Ps. aeruginosa.