Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in girls and women with Rett syndrome

• Published in: Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition Vol. 53; no. 5; p. 569
• Main Authors: Motil, Kathleen J, Barrish, Judy O, Lane, Jane, Geerts, Suzanne P, Annese, Fran, McNair, Lauren, Percy, Alan K, Skinner, Steven A, Neul, Jeffrey L, Glaze, Daniel G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.11.2011
• Subjects: Adolescent; Anticonvulsants - administration & dosage; Child; Child, Preschool; Dairy Products; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2 - genetics; Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2 - metabolism; Nutritional Status; Parathyroid Hormone - blood; Prevalence; Regression Analysis; Retrospective Studies; Rett Syndrome - complications; Rett Syndrome - epidemiology; Vitamin D - administration & dosage; Vitamin D - analogs & derivatives; Vitamin D - blood; Vitamin D Deficiency - complications; Vitamin D Deficiency - epidemiology; Vitamins - administration & dosage; Vitamins - blood
• ISSN: 1536-4801
• DOI: 10.1097/MPG.0b013e3182267a66

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and identify the relation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-(OH)D) levels and the consumption of dietary sources of vitamin D or exposure to anticonvulsants in girls and women with Rett syndrome (RTT). Retrospective review of the medical records of 284 girls and women with RTT to determine serum 25-(OH)D and parathyroid hormone levels, nutritional status, dietary sources of vitamin D, exposure to anticonvulsants, degree of mobility, and MECP2 status. Twenty percent of girls and women who were tested (n = 157) had 25-(OH)D levels <50 nmol/L. Multivitamin supplements, vitamin D-fortified milk, and commercial formulas were consumed by 40%, 52%, and 54%, respectively. Anticonvulsants were used by 57%, and 39% ambulated independently. Median 25-(OH)D levels were lower in individuals who did not receive multivitamin supplements (P < 0.05) or commercial formulas (P < 0.001) than in those who did. Median 25-(OH)D levels differed (P < 0.01) among racial and ethnic groups, but the number in some groups was small. Nutritional status, use of anticonvulsants, degree of mobility, and MECP2 status did not influence 25-(OH)D levels. Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in girls and women with RTT. The use of multivitamin supplements or commercial formulas is associated with improved vitamin D levels. Attention to vitamin D may enhance bone mineral deposition and reduce the frequency of bone fractures in these individuals.