Effect of impaired ambulation and anti-epileptic drug intake on vitamin D status of children with cerebral palsy

Vitamin D Supplementation at a Dose of 10 µg/Day in Institutionalized Children with Severe Motor and Intellectual Disabilities

Vitamin D (VD) deficiency can lead to health-related consequences. This study determined the effects of VD administration in VD-deficient children with severe motor and intellectual disabilities (SMID). Twenty-eight subjects were included. Among them, 25 subjects with parental consent for VD administration were given 10 µg/day (400 IU/day) of VD in April 2021. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were measured at least 30 days after the start of VD administration. The total VD intake, serum 25(OH)D levels, and ultraviolet (UV) exposure before the blood tests were investigated. The results showed that the median serum 25(OH)D levels were 8.7 ng/mL (4.3-17.2) and 24.0 ng/mL (7.8-39 ng/mL) from March to May in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Among the 25 subjects, 22 with UV exposure had >20 ng/mL serum 25(OH)D level, and 2 without UV exposure had <20 ng/mL serum 25(OH)D level. Three subjects who did not receive VD supplementation had <20 ng/mL serum 25(OH)D level. Taken together, VD supplementation (10 µg/day) is effective in children with SMID in institutional care. Moreover, it may be sufficient for children with UV exposure, but not for those without.

Vitamin D levels in children with cerebral palsy

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to assess serum vitamin D levels and related factors in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

METHODS

One hundred and nineteen children with CP between the ages of 1 year to 10 years 9 months who were admitted to the children's inpatient rehabilitation unit of a tertiary rehabilitation hospital between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2018, were included in this study. Demographic and clinical characteristics were obtained from the patient files. CP types and serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels were recorded. Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) was used to assess the functional level.

RESULTS

Mean age was 5.1±2.9 years. Forty-two (35.3%) were girls, 105 (88.3%) were spastic, and 14 (11.7%) were ataxic and mixed type CP. Mean GMFCS level was 4 (IQR:2). Thirty-one (26.1%) were getting extra liquid feed while the rest were eating a normal diet. Mean serum 25OHD level was 27.4±15.7 (3-79) ng/mL. Vitamin D levels were normal in 68 children (57.1%), whereas 36 (30.3%) had vitamin D insufficiency and 15 (12.6%) showed vitamin D deficiency. Those whose serum vitamin D levels were within a normal range had a median age of 3.8 (IQR:4.2) years. On the other hand, mean age was 6.4 (4.3) years for those with low vitamin D level (p <  0.0001). Vitamin D level was 19.8 (21.4) ng/mL in those (n = 88) who had regular diets, whereas it was 31.0 [16] ng/mL in those (n = 31) who were getting extra liquid feed (p = 0.015). There was no statistically significant correlation between vitamin D level and gender, GMFCS, CP type, season or antiepileptic drug treatment. A binary logistic regression model showed that older age and having only regular meals were significant risk factors for low vitamin D.

CONCLUSION

In this study, 42.9% of the children with CP had low vitamin D. Older children with CP or those who had regular diets were higher risk groups in terms of low vitamin D.

Effect of Daily Vitamin D Supplementation on Serum Vitamin D Levels in Children with Epilepsy Receiving Sodium Valproate Monotherapy: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

To compare the change in serum vitamin D levels and to compare the changes in serum levels of calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase and parathyroid hormone in vitamin D supplemented and unsupplemented groups after 3 mo.

METHODS

In this randomized, parallel group, nonblinded, controlled trial, 40 children, 2-12 y of age with newly diagnosed epilepsy, and vitamin D sufficient status, and started on valproate monotherapy, were randomized into the intervention group (n = 20), which was given daily oral 600 IU vitamin D supplementation, and the control group (n = 20), which was not given any supplementation. Changes in the biochemical parameters was measured in the two groups after 3 mo.

RESULTS

There was a significant reduction in the median (IQR) vitamin D levels in the control group as compared to an increase seen in the intervention group [-6.64 (-8.4, -2.65) vs. 5.66 (1.81, 7.12); p < 0.001]. In the control group, 37.5% children developed vitamin D insufficiency and 12.5% developed deficiency whereas only 5% of the intervention group developed vitamin D insufficiency (p = 0.005). There was a significant decrease in ionized calcium (p = 0.02), increase in serum phosphate (p = 0.02), and alkaline phosphatase level (p = 0.003) in the unsupplemented group as compared to the supplemented group.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D supplementation can reduce the valproate-associated decline in vitamin D levels and the negative impact on other markers of bone mineral metabolism.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

TCTR20200621002, 19.06.2020, retrospectively registered.

Vitamin D Status in Children on Anticonvulsant Therapy

OBJECTIVE

To assess vitamin D status of children on long-term anticonvulsants, including the less studied widely used levetiracetam, and the potential risk factors for deficiency.

METHOD

Children on antiepileptic drugs (cases, n = 269) were compared with controls (n = 295) for serum biochemistry, 25OHD, parathormone (PTH), sun exposure, dietary calcium, and vitamin D intake.

RESULTS

Cases had lower serum 25OHD [median (IQR) 18.4 (11.5-24.1) ng/mL] compared to controls [20.8 (15.4-26.2] ng/mL, p < 0.001), as well as more frequent vitamin D deficiency (25OHD < 12 ng/mL, 27.1%) and insufficiency (25OHD < 20 ng/mL, 57.6%) than did controls (11.2% and 46.1%, respectively). Significantly lower median (IQR) serum calcium [8.8 (8.1-9.4) vs. 9.2 (8.5-10.0) mg/dL], phosphorous [3.8 (3.3-4.2) vs. 4.7 (4.0-5.3) mg/dL), and higher PTH [58.4 (42.9-85.8) vs. 38.9 (24.6-55.5) pg/mL, p < 0.001 for all] and proportion of elevated alkaline phosphatase (11.2% vs. 5.1%, p < 0.01) was seen in cases versus controls. Vitamin D deficiency was present in 53.4% of children with cerebral palsy (CP) versus 19.9% in those without CP (p < 0.001). Serum 25OHD did not differ between patients on cytochrome P450 inducers versus noninducers, neither among the 3 major groups, users of carbamazepine, valproate, and levetiracetam. Logistic regression analysis showed serum 25OHD < 12 ng/mL to be independently influenced by case or control status, presence of CP, and season of sampling.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D deficiency is common with anticonvulsant therapy, especially in those having CP. In Kerala, the hot, dry season from March to May is protective.

Vitamin D deficiency in children with cerebral palsy: A narrative review of epidemiology, contributing factors, clinical consequences and interventions

Sufficient vitamin D levels are necessary, not only for mineralization, normal growth and development of bones, but also for the prevention of fatal chronic diseases like diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome and cancer. This is of particular importance in children with neuro- and musculoskeletal disorders, especially cerebral palsy (CP). CP is a heterogeneous group of childhood developmental disability disorders described by uncharacteristic posture, balance, and movement. Patients with CP are at an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency and as a result reduced bone mineral density, bone fragility, osteopenia, and rickets. The present review aims to combine and summarize available evidence, regarding the epidemiology, underlying contributing factors, clinical consequences, and treatment interventions of vitamin D deficiency in children with CP.

Musculoskeletal Health in Active Ambulatory Men with Cerebral Palsy and the Impact of Vitamin D

Purpose: (1) To determine the contribution of diet, time spent outdoors, and habitual physical activity (PA) on vitamin D status in men with cerebral palsy (CP) compared to physical activity matched controls (TDC) without neurological impairment; (2) to determine the role of vitamin D on musculoskeletal health, morphology, and function in men with CP compared to TDC. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional comparison study where 24 active, ambulant men with CP aged 21.0 ± 1.4 years (Gross Motor Function Classification Score (I–II) and 24 healthy TDC aged 25.3 ± 3.1 years completed in vivo assessment of musculoskeletal health, including: vastus lateralis anatomical cross-sectional area (VL ACSA), isometric knee extension maximal voluntary contraction (KE iMVC), 10 m sprint, vertical jumps (VJ), and radius and tibia bone ultrasound (US) T_us and Z_us scores. Assessments of vitamin D status through venous samples of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and parathyroid hormone, dietary vitamin D intake from food diary, and total sun exposure via questionnaire were also taken. Results: Men with CP had 40.5% weaker KE iMVC, 23.7% smaller VL ACSA, 22.2% lower VJ, 14.6% lower KE iMVC/VL ACSA ratio, 22.4% lower KE iMVC/body mass (BM) ratio, and 25.1% lower KE iMVC/lean body mass (LBM) ratio (all p < 0.05). Radius T_us and Z_us scores were 1.75 and 1.57 standard deviations lower than TDC, respectively (p < 0.05), whereas neither tibia T_us nor Z_us scores showed any difference compared to TDC (p > 0.05). The 25(OH)D was not different between groups, and 90.9% of men with CP and 91.7% of TDC had low 25(OH)D levels when compared to current UK recommendations. The 25(OH)D was positively associated with KE iMVC/LBM ratio in men with CP (r = 0.500, p = 0.020) but not in TDC (r = 0.281, p = 0.104). Conclusion: Musculoskeletal outcomes in men with CP were lower than TDC, and despite there being no difference in levels of 25(OH)D between the groups, 25 (OH)D was associated with strength (KE iMVC/LBM) in the CP group but not TDC. The findings suggest that vitamin D deficiency can accentuate some of the condition-specific impairments to musculoskeletal outcomes.

Vitamins K and D deficiency in severe motor and intellectually disabled patients

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to determine serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) levels in severe motor and intellectual disabilities (SMID) patients and their association with bone turnover biomarkers.

METHODS

We assessed vitamin D and K levels as indicators of osteoporosis in institutionalized adults with SMID. From December 2019 to February 2020, 93 institutionalized patients (48 men, 45 women; median age, 49 years) underwent annual routine examinations. Serum ucOC, 25(OH)D, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase A 5b (TRACP-5b) levels as bone formation and resorption markers and calcium and phosphorous levels were measured. Vitamin K deficiency was indirectly assessed based on ucOC levels.

RESULTS

Mean ucOC levels were higher than normal (i.e., vitamin K deficiency). Serum 25(OH)D levels were markedly diminished. Overall, 86% of patients had deficient 25(OH)D levels. These 25(OH)D-deficient patients had higher ucOC levels. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed an inverse correlation between 25(OH)D and ucOC levels. ucOC levels were significantly higher and 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in tube feeding. TRACP-5b levels were significantly higher in elderly than in young women. BAP and TRACP-5b levels were normal in adults. No relationship existed between vitamin D and antiepileptic drug use.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin K and D co-deficiency was common in SMID patients. Vitamin K and D deficiencies were worse in tube-fed patients than in oral intake patients. SMID patients should undergo regular monitoring of vitamin D and K levels and supplementation of these vitamins.

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy and Nutritional Interventions by the Pediatric Nutritional Support Team Improve the Nutritional Status of Neurologically Impaired Children

Aim: To evaluate the long-term effects of nutritional improvement following percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube feeding stratified by previous feeding method and to assess the impact of underlying muscle tone on the outcomes of the nutritional intervention. Methods: Neurologically impaired children who underwent PEG tube insertion and nutritional intervention provided by a pediatric nutritional support team were enrolled. We measured anthropometric variables, laboratory parameters, and nutritional intake at baseline, 6 months after PEG insertion, and the last visit. We evaluated the percent ideal body weight (PIBW), body mass index (BMI)-for-age z-score, and percentiles and calculated the ratios of calorie intake compared to required requirement (CIR) and protein intake compared to recommended requirement (PIR). Results: The PIBW and BMI-for-age z-score improved during the first 6 months (p = 0.003 and p = 0.005, respectively). The CIR (p = 0.015) and PIR (p = 0.004) increased during the study period. The baseline BMI and PIBW of the previous nasogastric tube feeding group were better than those of the oral feeding group (p = 0.02 and p = 0.03, respectively). The BMI-for-age z-score, PIBW, CIR, and PIR improved in the hypertonic group (p = 0.03, 0.02, 0.03, and 0.01, respectively). Conclusion: PEG tube feeding and active nutritional intervention improved the nutritional status of neurologically impaired children immediately after PEG insertion. The nutritional requirements might vary by the muscle tonicity.

Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in Malaysian children with spina bifida

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence and potential risk factors of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency among Malaysian children with spina bifida.

SETTING

Four Malaysian tertiary hospitals.

METHODS

Children with spina bifida were assessed for potential demographic, disease severity and lifestyle risk factors for vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency. Blood for 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) was taken. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as 25(OH)D levels ≤ 37.5 nmol/L and insufficiency as 37.6-50 nmol/L.

RESULTS

Eighty children aged 2-18 years (42 males) participated in the study. Vitamin D levels ranged from 14 to 105 nmol/L (mean 52.8, SD 19.1). Vitamin D deficiency was identified in 18 (22.5%) and insufficiency in 26 (32.5%) children. Logistic regression analysis showed that skin exposure to sunlight ≤ 21% body surface area (OR: 6.2, CI 1.7-22.9) and duration of sun exposure ≤ 35 min/day (OR: 4.0, CI 1.2-14.1) were significant risk factors for vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Over half (55%) of Malaysian children with spina bifida seen in urban tertiary hospitals have vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency. Lifestyle sun exposure behaviours were risk factors for vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency.

Vitamin D status of children with cerebral palsy: Should vitamin D levels be checked in children with cerebral palsy?

OBJECTIVE:

We aimed to investigate the vitamin D status of children with cerebral palsy (CP).

METHODS:

A total of 274 children (111 females and 163 males), aged between 1 and 19 years with CP, who came to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pediatric Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinic between October 2013 and March 2017, were included in our study. Demographics, data concerning the details of each child’s comorbidity, the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), and Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) scores were recorded. The serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D], calcium (Ca), phosphate (P), and parathormone (PTH) levels were also recorded.

RESULTS:

The mean age of children with CP was 7.59±6.09 years. The distribution by the CP type was 24.8% spastic unilateral, 59.8% spastic bilateral, 1.4% dyskinetic, 0.7% ataxic, 7.6% mixed, and 5.1% unclassified. The serum 25(OH)D levels of the 235 children with CP were measured. There were 79 children at the 25(OH)D level ≤12 ng/ml, regarded as vitamin D deficiency; 62 children at the 25(OH)D level 12-≤20 ng/ml, considered as vitamin D insufficiency, 43 children at the 25(OH)D level 20-≤30 ng/ml, considered as vitamin D sufficiency, and 15 children at the 25(OH)D level >30 ng/ml. A total of 36 children were already taking vitamin D supplements. There was a significant correlation between the 25(OH)D levels and GMFCS and MACS levels and associated impairments such as the epilepsy history, intellectual delay, teeth problems, and growth retardation (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION:

Our results revealed that the children with CP who are not ambulatory (GMFCS levels IV–V) and have associated impairments were prone to vitamin D deficiency, and thus should be checked for vitamin D.

New Developments in the Classification, Pathogenesis, Risk Factors, Natural History, and Treatment of Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

For years, branch retinal vein occlusion is still a controversial disease in many aspects. An increasing amount of data is available regarding classification, pathogenesis, risk factors, natural history, and therapy of branch retinal vein occlusion. Some of the conclusions may even change our impression of branch retinal vein occlusion. It will be beneficial for our doctors to get a deeper understanding of this disease and improve the treatment skills. The aims of this review is to collect the information above and report new ideas especially from the past a few years.