title: Low 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels in Children with Spina Bifida.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine vitamin D status in children with spina bifida (SB).
  
  
  METHODS
  Charts of all patients with SB at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Houston, Texas, seen between July 2011 and June 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. Daily intake of milk, vitamins, amount of screen time, and time spent outdoors were recorded along with height, weight, body mass index, and serum vitamin D levels.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 38 patients were identified. The mean level of vitamin D was 58.8 nmol/L (23.5 ng/dL); 30 (81%) had insufficient levels, 50 to 75 nmol/L (20 to 30 ng/mL), or deficient levels, <50 nmol/L (<20 ng/mL). African American and Hispanic descent correlated with decreased levels (P = 0.017). Daily vitamin D supplementation correlated with increased levels (P = 0.046).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Most children with SB have suboptimal vitamin D levels. Despite living in a sunny climate and spending at least 15 minutes per day outdoors, children with SB have suboptimal vitamin D levels. Healthcare providers should consider the routine measurement of vitamin D levels and advise supplementation accordingly in this patient population.
authors.affiliation: From the University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Shriners Hospital for Children, Houston, Texas, and the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana.
authors.forename: Lynnette J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Mazur
authors.affiliation: From the University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Shriners Hospital for Children, Houston, Texas, and the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana.
authors.forename: Lisa D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Wilsford
authors.affiliation: From the University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Shriners Hospital for Children, Houston, Texas, and the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rosas
authors.affiliation: From the University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Shriners Hospital for Children, Houston, Texas, and the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana.
authors.forename: Elroy
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sullivan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D016135:Spinal Dysraphism / Q000097:blood*; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000097:blood; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D014807:Vitamin D; C104450:25-hydroxyvitamin D