Serum Levels of Vitamin D in Children with or without Isolated Distal Radius Fractures: A Prospective Clinical Study

Objective To compare the serum levels of vitamin D and minerals in children with or without isolated distal radius fractures. Methods The present prospective clinical study included 50 children (aged between 5 and 15 years) with isolated distal radius fractures who were admitted to our emergency unit between February and May 2018 as the study group (group A), and 50 healthy children with no history of fracture as the control group (group B). Peripheral venous blood samples were obtained and analyzed for measurements of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and parathyroid hormone (PTH) in both groups. Patient characteristics and peripheral venous blood samples were compared between the groups. Results The mean age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI) and gender distribution were similar in both groups. There were no statistical differences in the blood analyses, including Ca, Mg, P, ALP, and PTH. However, the serum levels of 25(OH)D were statistically lower in group A when compared to group B ( p < 0.001), and the number of patients with 25(OH)D insufficiency was statistically higher in group A than in group B (p = 0.012). Conclusion Children with isolated distal radius fracture should be informed about vitamin D deficiency, and, in children with low levels of vitamin D, supplementation may be considered.