The association between vitamin d levels and urinary tract infection in children

Abstract

Aim: We aimed to examine whether there is any association between serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D-3] and urinary tract infection (UTI) among children. Methods: White blood cell count, serum C-reactive protein, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, parathormone, and serum 25(OH)D-3 levels were measured in 82 children experiencing a first episode of UTI, with no risk factors for UTI, and 64 healthy control children. Results: The mean serum levels of 25(OH)D-3 among children with UTI were significantly lower than those of controls (11.7 +/- 3.3 vs. 27.6 +/- 4.7 ng/ml; p < 0.001). The serum levels of 25(OH)D-3 were significantly lower in patients with acute pyelonephritis compared to patients with lower UTI (8.6 +/- 2.8 vs. 14.2 +/- 3.0 ng/ml; p < 0.001). Within the study group, mean serum levels of 25(OH)D-3 among girls were lower than those of boys (10.9 +/- 3.4 ng/ml vs. 13.2 +/- 4.4 ng/ml; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that a serum 25(OH)D-3 level of < 20 ng/ml (odds ratio 3.503, 95% confidence interval 1.621-7.571; p = 0.001) was associated with UTI in children. Conclusions: Our results suggest that vitamin D deficiency may be a risk factor for UTI in children.