The Relation between Vitamin D Levels and Cardiovascular Comorbidities in Obese Children
Abstract Background Childhood obesity is accompanied by increased cardiovascular co morbidities and vitamin D deficiency. However, the relation between vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular comorbidities remains uncertain. Objectives We aim to determine if there is an association between vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular risks in obese children. Patients and Methods A case control study was conducted on 63 prepubertal patients with simple obesity recruited from the pediatric obesity clinic, Ain Shams University. They were divided into 2 groups: 33 cases with deficient 25(OH) D (< 20ng/ml) and 30 with sufficient 25(OH) D (≥ 20ng/ml). Both groups were subjected to full history taking, general examination including blood pressure, anthropometric measurements and laboratory evaluation including lipid profile, thyroid profile and glucose homeostasis parameters. Results There was a positive correlation between 25(OH) D and HDL cholesterol (r = 0.407, p = 0.026). Obese children with deficient 25(OH) D had significantly higher diastolic blood pressure percentiles (86.20 ±9.20 in deficient vs 78.44±15.50 in sufficient, p = 0.018). Conclusion A possible relationship exists between obesity related comorbidities and vitamin D status. Further studies should focus on the effect of vitamin D deficiency on obesity related comorbidities.