Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency and Insufficiency in Children With Osteopenia or Osteoporosis Referred to a Pediatric Metabolic Bone Clinic

Abstract

Vitamin D insufficiency was remarkably common in pediatric patients with primary and secondary osteopenia or osteoporosis. The inverse relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and parathyroid hormone levels suggests a physiologic impact of insufficient vitamin D levels that may contribute to low bone mass or worsen the primary bone disease. We suggest that monitoring and supplementation of vitamin D should be a priority in the management of pediatric patients with osteopenia or osteoporosis.