Behavior of Vitamin D and IGF-1 in children studied for short stature

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate vitamin D values in patients who presented short stature as a reason for consultation, and to define the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and IGF-1 values. Materials and Methods: A prospective and observational study carried out in children between 2 and 15 years of age, both sexes, who presented short stature as a reason for consultation. The time period for measuring vitamin D and IGF-1 was one calendar year and then analyzing their levels according to the four seasons of the year. Results: 42 patients were included. The mean age was 7.94 (± 4.4) years, 30 (71.4%) were male. Of the total of patients included, 12 (28.6%) were diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency. Normal vitamin D levels were present in 19.1%, while 80.9% showed values below 30 ng/ml. Normal levels of this vitamin were only observed in autumn. A linear correlation was also observed between vitamin D and IGF-1, and an inverse correlation between PTH and vitamin D. Conclusions: Optimal vitamin D levels were found only in autumn. A direct correlation between vitamin D and IGF-1 was observed. Measuring vitamin D levels is suggested in every child consulting for short stature, with supplementation in all cases of deficiency or insufficiency.