Vitamin d levels in sickle cell disease children at a rural tertiary care hospital

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with increased metabolic demands and nutritional deficiencies, including vitamin D deficiency, which exacerbates complications such as musculoskeletal disorders and infections. This study aimed to assess vitamin D status, identify risk factors, and evaluate its relationship with clinical outcomes in children with SCD in a rural setting. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 106 children (6 months–18 years) with SCD (SS or S Beta thal pattern). Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels were measured using chemiluminescence immunoassay. Results revealed 56.6% had deficiency (<20 ng/mL) and 43.4% had insufficiency (20–30 ng/mL). Deficiency was highest in adolescents (13–18 years, 46.7%), while insufficiency peaked in younger children (3–6 years, 19.6%). Age significantly influenced vitamin D levels (p = 0.0162), with no gender-based differences. The high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, particularly among adolescents, underscores the need for targeted interventions, including supplementation and lifestyle modifications, to address this nutritional gap and improve clinical outcomes in children with SCD. These findings highlight the importance of routine screening and tailored strategies to mitigate vitamin D deficiency in this vulnerable population