Korean J Pediatr.  2015 Sep;58(9):325-329. 10.3345/kjp.2015.58.9.325.

Vitamin D serum levels in children with allergic and vasomotor rhinitis

• Lee SJ
• Kang BH
• Choi BS

• KMID: 2284512
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3345/kjp.2015.58.9.325

Abstract

PURPOSE
In addition to regulating calcium and phosphorus homeostasis and bone metabolism, vitamin D is known as an immune modulator. Recently, there has been increased worldwide interest in the association between low levels of vitamin D and allergic diseases. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and allergic/vasomotor rhinitis (AR/VR) in children.
METHODS
This study included 164 patients. The sample included 59 patients with AR, 42 patients with VR, and 63 controls. Their ages ranged from 0 to 16 years. We examined the levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, Immunoglobulin E, specific IgE, and eosinophil cationic protein; peripheral blood eosinophil count; and the results of a skin prick test.
RESULTS
Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were 19.0+/-8.5 ng/mL in the AR group, 25.5+/-10.9 ng/mL in the VR group, and 26.9+/-10.7 ng/mL in the control group. After adjustment for body mass index and season at the time of blood sampling, vitamin D levels in the AR group were lower than those of the VR group (P=0.003) and control group (P<0.001). Vitamin D levels were inversely correlated with Immunoglobulin E levels (r=-0.317, P<0.001). AR patients with food allergy or atopic dermatitis did not have lower levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D than AR patients without these diseases.
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrates a possible relationship between vitamin D levels and allergic rhinitis in Korean children.

Keyword

Allergic rhinitis; Vitamin D; Child; Vasomotor rhinitis; Immunoglobulin E

MeSH Terms

Body Mass Index
Calcium
Child*
Dermatitis, Atopic
Eosinophil Cationic Protein
Eosinophils
Food Hypersensitivity
Homeostasis
Humans
Immunoglobulin E
Immunoglobulins
Metabolism
Phosphorus
Rhinitis
Rhinitis, Vasomotor*
Seasons
Skin
Vitamin D*
Vitamins*
Calcium
Eosinophil Cationic Protein
Immunoglobulin E
Immunoglobulins
Phosphorus
Vitamin D
Vitamins