Serum vitamin D levels in children with recurrent tonsillopharyngitis

OBJECTIVE In this study, we aimed to compare vitamin D levels of children with recurrent tonsillopharingitis and healthy controls, and investigate the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and serum vitamin D levels. METHODS Children with recurrent tonsillopharingitis and healthy controls aged between 2, and 12 years who consulted to the outpatient clinics of Zeynep Kamil Maternity and Children's Diseases Training and Research Hospital from January to October 2012 were included in this study. Serum 25 (OH) vitamin D levels were studied by tandem mass spectroscopy (tandem ms) method. Risk factors which might be associated with vitamin D levels were questioned. Ethical aproval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of Zeynep Kamil Maternity and Children's Diseases Training and Research Hospital and informed consent from the parents of the children. RESULTS A total of 147 children; 74 (50.3%) patients and 73 (49.7%) controls were included in our study. Age, gender and demographic characteristics did not differ significantly between the two groups. Vitamin D levels in patients with recurrent tonsillopharingitis and controls were 19.7±8.7 ng/ml and 23.6±9.2 ng/ml, respectively (p<0.01). Although duration of vitamin D usage was shorter in children with recurrent tonsillopharingitis, this difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). CONCLUSION Vitamin D levels in children with ≥7 recurrent episodes of tonsillophargitis within the preceeding year were significantly lower compared to the control group. We believe that serum vitamin D levels should be checked in children with recurrent tonsillopharingitis and deficiencies should be treated.