Abstract
Purpose: Although Turkey is a sunny country, vitamin D deficiency is quite prevelant. In the last few years, there have been few studies showing the association between serum vitamin D levels and asthma severity in children. In this study we aimed to examine the association between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 levels and asthma control and lung function as measured by pulmonary function tests.
Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving children with asthma and healthy controls aged 7-17 years old. Vitamin D status was assessed by measuring serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 in both groups. The relationship between serum vit D levels and asthma control and pulmonary function tests were also examined in asthmatic patients.
Results: 71 asthmatic children and 71 healthy controls were recruited. Mean age in asthmatic group was 11,9 ± 1,93 years old. 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 levels were low in both asthmatics and control group (12,9±6,27 and 12,3± 6,4 ng/ml respectively). The asthma control assessment was significantly worse in men. Vitamin D levels were significantly low in women especially who completely covering the skin except face and hands. There was no correlation between Vit D levels and asthma control, and pulmonary functions. (p>0,05).
Conclusion: Contrary to the most previous studies, Vit D levels do not correlate with neither asthma control nor lung function.
- © 2014 ERS