Serum vitamin D level in Egyptian children with Familial Mediterranean fever

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study is to measure plasma vitamin D levels in a group of Egyptian children with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) compared to healthy children.

Methods: The study enrolled 52 children with FMF and 40 apparently healthy controls. Serum vitamin D level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: The mean serum vitamin D level was significantly lower in children with FMF than control group (12.3±3.4 and 21.2±3.5ng/mL, respectively, p<0.001). Vitamin D level was significantly lower in female patients than males (11.3±2.9, 13.2±3.6, respectively p=0.04). No statistically significant relations were detected between vitamin D level and different clinical, laboratory and genetic variables.

Conclusion: Vitamin D levels were lower in Egyptian FMF children than healthy controls. There is a speculation that vitamin D deficiency in FMF patients may be related to inflammation. Further studies with larger number of patients before and after Vitamin D, therapy may be needed. Supplementation with high doses of vitamin D seems appropriate for children with FMF.

Keywords: Children; Egyptian children; Familial Mediterranean fever; Plasma vitamin D.