Background: Recurrent wheezy chest is a common complaint in pediatric
practice. Vitamin D is a potent immunomodulator in allergic diseases as wheezy
chest and asthma. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency has been increasing
in Egypt leading to significant morbidities. Objectives: This study aimed to
assess serum 25 hydroxy (OH) Vitamin D level in preschool children with
recurrent wheezy chest, and to assess its relation to the recurrence, severity,
and level of control of the wheezing episodes. Methods: The study included 100
preschool children (aged 2 to 5 years), of both sexes, recruited from the
Emergency department, Allergy and Pulmonology units at Assiut University
Children Hospital, Egypt. They should have at least 3 documented episodes of
wheeze, cough, and difficulty breathing in the last year with clinical
improvement on inhaled short-acting beta 2 agonists. Patients were subjected to
questionnaire-based history, clinical examination, and laboratory investigations
(complete blood count (CBC) with the absolute eosinophil count, serum total
IgE level, and serum 25 hydroxy (OH) Vitamin D level). Pediatric Respiratory
Assessment Measure (PRAM score) for assessment of the severity of the
wheezing episodes and Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) based level of
asthma control for children 5 years and younger were applied. The patients
were grouped according to PRAM score to mild, moderate and severe episodes
and according to vitamin D level as sufficient and below-sufficient groups
(including deficient and insufficient patients). Results: 25(OH) Vitamin D level
was below-sufficient in 53% of the studied patients (deficient in 32% and
insufficient in 21%). PRAM score was significantly lower in patients with
sufficient 25(OH) Vitamin D level versus those with below-sufficient level (p <
0.025). There was a significant negative correlation between PRAM score and
25 (OH) Vitamin D level (r = -0.334, p = 0.001). Conclusion: There is an
inverse relationship between 25(OH)vitamin D level and parameters of asthma
severity, as well as with the level of asthma control in preschool children with
recurrent wheezy chest.
Research Department
Research Journal
The Egyptian Journal of Pediatric Allergy & Immunology
Research Member
Research Vol
17 (1)
Research Year
2019
Research_Pages
21-29
Research Abstract