title: Vitamin D deficiency and adrenal function in critically ill children.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Data on interrelationship between vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and adrenal insufficiency in critically ill children are limited.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine vitamin D status in critically ill children and its relationship with adrenal function.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-two patients and 36 controls were included. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels were measured. Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM) III score, outcome and adrenal function assessed by 1-microgram adrenocorticotropic hormone test were collected.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Median (IQR) serum 25-OHD of thepatients was less than that of the controls (16.6 (13.3-19.5) vs. 24.2 (21.0-27.9) ng/mnL, p < 0.001). Twenty-five (78%) patients and seven (19%) controls had VDD. PRISM III score, proportions of patients with shock and vasopressive drug used, length of intensive care unit stay and ventilator used, and adrenal function were not different between patients with and without VDD. Patients with serum 25-OHD of less than 12 ng/mL had higher median (IQR) PRISM III score (14 (6-20) vs. 5 (2-10), p = 0.033) and higher proportion of mortality than those with serum 25-OHD of 12 ng/mL or greater.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A greater proportion of VDD in critically ill children as compared with that of the controls was demonstrated. Serum 25-OHD was not associated with adrenal function.
authors.forename: Manassawee
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Korwutthikulrangsri
authors.forename: Pat
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mahachoklertwattana
authors.forename: Rojjanee
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lertbunrian
authors.forename: La-Or
authors.initials: LO
authors.lastname: Chailurkit
authors.forename: Preamrudee
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Poomthavorn
mesh_terms: D000309:Adrenal Insufficiency / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016638:Critical Illness; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D008297:Male; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000097:blood; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014815:Vitamins / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D014815:Vitamins; D014807:Vitamin D; C104450:25-hydroxyvitamin D