Prevalence of Vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency among children with cerebral palsy at Kenyatta National Hospital

Abstract

Background: It is estimated that 50% of both children and adults have insufficient/deficient levels of vitamin D. Children with cerebral  palsy are at a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency due to their comorbidities.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency among children with cerebral palsy aged  1-18 years attending services at the Kenyatta National Hospital, the proportion of children receiving Vitamin D supplements and the  association of antiepileptic drugs and sunlight exposure with Vitamin D levels.

Methodology: A hospital based cross sectional study of children with known diagnosis of cerebral palsy at KNH were recruited  consecutively. Data on sociodemographic factors, history of antiepileptic drug use, vitamin D supplementation and sun exposure was  collected. Blood samples were collected for analysis.

Results: Eighty (80) cerebral palsy patients median age (IQR) 42 (21 to 72) months old were recruited. Twenty-six (32%, 95%CI 22 to 44%) had Vitamin D deficiency, with Vitamin D levels median (IQR) of 14.3 (8.52 to 18.2)  ng/mI. Twenty-three (29% 95%CI 19 to 40%) had insufficient Vitamin D with Vitamin D calcitriol median (IQR) of 26.8 (22.8 to 27.7) ng/mI.  There was a significant association between sun exposure(>1hour) and Vitamin D levels. (p<0.001) (aRR 0.43 (95%CI 0.22–0.83)) and none  between age, gender, use of antiepileptic drugs, nutritional status, gross motor functional classification scale (GMFCS) and Vitamin D  levels.

Conclusion: The prevalence of Vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency was high at 61%. Daily sunlight exposure of <1 hour had a  significant association with Vitamin D levels.

Recommendation: Early detection and management of vitamin D deficiency is recommended for children with Cerebral Palsy in order to improve their health status.