Evaluation of Vitamin D3 and Calcium Deficiency after Recovery from Extensive Burn.

BACKGROUND

Previous studies in pediatric populations have demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with large burns. The aim of the current comparative study was to investigate the serum level of vitamin D in patients with large burns [>20% total body surface area (TBSA)] after 6 months of therapy.

METHODS

This case control study was conducted during 6-month period from 2017 to 2018 in Amiralmomenin Hospital, Shiraz, Iran. Forty two patients with large burns (>20% TBSA) and at least 6 months' post-burn period were enrolled. Also, 42 healthy and age and sex matched controls from those referring for routine check-ups were included for comparison. None of the patients and controls received vitamin D supplements. The serum level of calcium (Ca), parathormone (PTH) and vitamin D were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the two study groups regarding the baseline characteristics including the age (0.085), gender (0.275) and duration of sun exposure (0.894). We found that those with major burns had significantly higher serum levels of PTH (50.48±26.49 33.64±15.80; 0.001). In addition, the serum levels of vitamin D were significantly lower in burn patients compared to healthy controls (18.15±9.18 31.43±16.27; 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Major burns (≥20% TBSA) are associated with increased serum levels of PTH and decreased serum levels of vitamin D. However, serum levels of calcium are not affected by major burns.