DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2019.v07i12.054

Pages: 4098-4101

Background: Nephrotic syndrome is associated with loss of vitamin D binding protein in urine, leading to vitamin D deficiency. Corticosteroids used in the management of this illness is also known to have deleterious effects on bone health. This study was done to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in children with nephrotic syndrome. Methods: It is a cross sectional study conducted at the department of Pediatrics, R.G.Kar medical college and hospital, Kolkata, over a period of 18 months. Patient particulars and history were obtained from 100 children with nephrotic syndrome aged 2-12 years, admitted in the hospital or presented to the outpatient department. Samples were collected for the estimation of 25-hydroxy vitamin D. Data were analysed using standard statistical parameters. Results: Mean age of the population under study was 6.82±3.37 years with a male to female ratio of 1.6:1. First episode, frequent relapse and infrequent relapse nephrotic syndrome were present in 36, 24 and 40 children, respectively. Three fifth of them were having active disease. Vitamin D deficiency was seen in 66% of the study population (mean vitamin D level- 11.53±6.31 ng/dL). Children in remission had higher vitamin D levels than those with active disease (p=0.001). Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is present in a significant proportion of children with nephrotic syndrome. Those with active disease have lower levels of vitamin D than those in remission.