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Objective: In this study, we aimed to assess the frequency of vitamin D deficiency according to age and sex in children and to investigate their relationship with demographic characteristics, presentation complaints, and accompanying clinical findings.
Materials and Methods: Vitamin D levels and demographic and clinical characteristics of 1505 children aged 2-18 years who applied to the hospital between January 01, 2017, and December 31, 2017, were analyzed. Patients who had a disease that could negatively affect vitamin D absorption and metabolism, who were diagnosed with rickets, or who took vitamin D supplements were excluded from the study.
Results: The median vitamin D level of children was 17.7 ng/mL, and the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency was 26.4% and 33.4%, respectively. Females were the group most at risk for vitamin D deficiency. Another group at risk for vitamin D deficiency was adolescents. Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency was detected in approximately half of the school-age and preschool children. Of the patients, 18% were admitted to the hospital by their parents to have their vitamin D levels checked. No health problems were detected in 47.7% of the patients whose vitamin D level was checked. Neurological complaints were more common in patients with vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency when compared to the group with normal vitamin D levels (P < .001).
Conclusions: The risk of vitamin D deficiency in children is highest in the female sex and adolescent age group. Neurological complaints are more likely to be associated with vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency.
Cite this article as: Yörüsün G, Polat E, Yücel H, Altınel Açoğlu E. Evaluation of the signs and symptoms of children for whom a vitamin D test is requested: In which cases do pediatricians want a vitamin D test? Turk Arch Pediatr. 2023;58(2):197-204.