Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in children with cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorder: a comparative pilot study
Aim: This study aims to explore the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) among children with cerebral palsy (CP) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Bulgaria, while analyzing associated demographic, nutritional, and biochemical factors. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Pensoft Publishers
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Folia Medica |
| Online Access: | https://foliamedica.bg/article/138821/download/pdf/ |
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| author | Ruzha Pancheva Albena Toneva Yana Bocheva Miglena Georgieva Krassimira Koleva Ivan Yankov |
| author_facet | Ruzha Pancheva Albena Toneva Yana Bocheva Miglena Georgieva Krassimira Koleva Ivan Yankov |
| author_sort | Ruzha Pancheva |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Aim: This study aims to explore the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) among children with cerebral palsy (CP) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Bulgaria, while analyzing associated demographic, nutritional, and biochemical factors. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Northeastern Bulgaria, involving 95 children (59 with CP and 36 with ASD). Vitamin D status was assessed using biochemical markers and categorized as deficient (<20 ng/mL), insufficient (20-29 ng/mL), or normal (≥30 ng/mL). Statistical comparisons were performed to identify differences across groups. Results: VDD was prevalent in 29.4% of children with CP and 15.8% of those with ASD, with no significant intergroup differences (p=0.492). Demographic analysis revealed significant gender (p<0.001) and ethnic differences (p=0.006). Children with VDD exhibited lower height-for-age Z scores (p=0.002), weight-for-age Z scores (p=0.021), albumin levels (p<0.001), and lymphocyte counts (p=0.011). Normal ferritin levels alongside reduced transferrin and serum iron suggested protein synthesis deficits rather than depleted iron stores. Conclusion: This study, which is the first in Bulgaria to address vitamin D deficiency in children with autism spectrum disorder and cerebral palsy, emphasizes the necessity of tailored interventions and nutritional support. The findings emphasize the role of biological and sociocultural factors in the prevalence of VDD, contributing valuable insights into pediatric health in moderate-climate regions. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-6f57ac0d08574e949dca6a070c0c6b5e |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 1314-2143 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
| publisher | Pensoft Publishers |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Folia Medica |
| spelling | doaj-art-6f57ac0d08574e949dca6a070c0c6b5e2025-08-20T01:48:26ZengPensoft PublishersFolia Medica1314-21432024-12-0166678779410.3897/folmed.66.e138821138821Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in children with cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorder: a comparative pilot studyRuzha Pancheva0Albena Toneva1Yana Bocheva2Miglena Georgieva3Krassimira Koleva4Ivan Yankov5Prof. Dr Paraskev Stoyanov Medical UniversityProf. Dr Paraskev Stoyanov Medical UniversityProf. Dr Paraskev Stoyanov Medical UniversityProf. Dr Paraskev Stoyanov Medical UniversityProf. Dr Paraskev Stoyanov Medical UniversityMedical University of PlovdivAim: This study aims to explore the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) among children with cerebral palsy (CP) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Bulgaria, while analyzing associated demographic, nutritional, and biochemical factors. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Northeastern Bulgaria, involving 95 children (59 with CP and 36 with ASD). Vitamin D status was assessed using biochemical markers and categorized as deficient (<20 ng/mL), insufficient (20-29 ng/mL), or normal (≥30 ng/mL). Statistical comparisons were performed to identify differences across groups. Results: VDD was prevalent in 29.4% of children with CP and 15.8% of those with ASD, with no significant intergroup differences (p=0.492). Demographic analysis revealed significant gender (p<0.001) and ethnic differences (p=0.006). Children with VDD exhibited lower height-for-age Z scores (p=0.002), weight-for-age Z scores (p=0.021), albumin levels (p<0.001), and lymphocyte counts (p=0.011). Normal ferritin levels alongside reduced transferrin and serum iron suggested protein synthesis deficits rather than depleted iron stores. Conclusion: This study, which is the first in Bulgaria to address vitamin D deficiency in children with autism spectrum disorder and cerebral palsy, emphasizes the necessity of tailored interventions and nutritional support. The findings emphasize the role of biological and sociocultural factors in the prevalence of VDD, contributing valuable insights into pediatric health in moderate-climate regions.https://foliamedica.bg/article/138821/download/pdf/ |
| spellingShingle | Ruzha Pancheva Albena Toneva Yana Bocheva Miglena Georgieva Krassimira Koleva Ivan Yankov Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in children with cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorder: a comparative pilot study Folia Medica |
| title | Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in children with cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorder: a comparative pilot study |
| title_full | Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in children with cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorder: a comparative pilot study |
| title_fullStr | Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in children with cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorder: a comparative pilot study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in children with cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorder: a comparative pilot study |
| title_short | Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in children with cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorder: a comparative pilot study |
| title_sort | prevalence of vitamin d deficiency in children with cerebral palsy and autism spectrum disorder a comparative pilot study |
| url | https://foliamedica.bg/article/138821/download/pdf/ |
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