Biography
Prof. MOHAMMAD SALIM SHAKUR
Prof. MOHAMMAD SALIM SHAKUR
United Hospital Limited, Bangladesh
Title: VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY : A CONCERN FOR BANGLADESHI CHILDREN
Abstract: 
Primary Objectives Assessment of prevalence of vitamin D deficiency ( VDD) among children living in urban and rural Bangladesh To assess risk factors for VDD in such children Secondary objectives To determine if VDD is a part of broader nutritional problems like under nutrition, anaemia, iron deficiency, hypocalaemia etc. Study design A multicentre (urban and rural based) cross sectional prospective study – using serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD) as a marker of vitamin D status. Serum level of alkaline phosphatase,calcium and phosphate status for additional information about Vitamin D status. Setting Urban based: Paediatric Outpatient Department, United Hospital Limited, Gulshan 2, Dhaka-1212 Rural based : Medical Outpatient Department, Upozilla Health Complex, Ghatail, Tangail Subject and Methods Study population: Chiltren 1 to 10 years of age attending OPD with either weight for age,weight for height,height for age <- 1 SD z score or clinical features suggestive of vitamin D deficiency were included in the study Data were collected by questionnaire,medical assessment and laboratory test RESULTS Total 150 children were studied with 102(68%) urban and 48 (32%) rural children. Suboptimum vitamin D (25-OHD <30 ng/ml) were found in 75% of children. Urban children (81%) were more associated with hypovitaminoisis D compared to rural children(62%) which was statistically significant(OR 0.382,95% CI O.177-0.822). Inadequate exposure to sunlight was significantly more associated with hypovitaminosis D compared to adequate exposure to sunlight (OR 2.475,95% CI 1.139-5.380).No significant association of VDD were detected with skin color of children,covering clothes of mother,exclusive breast feeding and limb pain.Children of higher educated mother(>SSC) were more associated with VDD. Although VDD were highly prevalent among children with growth failure,no significant statistical association were found with vitamin D status and anthropometric status. Higher prevalence of anaemia were detected in study population,however no significant association were detected between vitamin D status and anaemia,iron deficiency and serum calcium status. CONCLUSION Vitamin D deficiency(VDD) particularly asymptomatic(non skeletal) VDD is common among Bangladeshi children,urban children being more vulnerable to VDD.Poor exposure to sunlight is significantly associated with VDD.Screening of children for VDD,anaemia and iron deficiency is appropriate for children population at risk.