WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

*Hanin Razaq Al-Hilali, Dr. Shatha Hussain Ali, Khawlah Alwan Salman

ABSTRACT

Background: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is one of the most frequent chronic kidney diseases in children, characterized by heavy proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema, with potential complications including infection, thromboembolism, and acute kidney injury. Aim: This study aimed to measure serum vitamin D levels in children with NS and assess correlations between vitamin D3 and clinical types of NS, demographic variables (age, sex, age of onset, residence), and laboratory parameters (serum calcium, albumin, urea, creatinine, and cholesterol). Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 75 pediatric NS patients aged 1–15 years, from April 2022 to August 2022, at Imamian Al-Kadhimain Medical City, Bent Al-Huda Teaching Hospital in Al-Nasiriya, and Karbala Teaching Hospital for Children. Diagnosis and follow-up were performed in pediatric nephrology clinics. Results: Males predominated (74.67%), with most patients aged 6–12 years (62.67%). Frequent relapse was the most common NS type (49.33%). Vitamin D deficiency was found in 46.67% of children. Calcium deficiency (69.33%, p=0.044) and hypoalbuminemia (93.33%, p=0.006) were highly prevalent. Vitamin D deficiency was significantly higher among frequent relapse cases (64.86%, p=0.024) than in infrequent relapse (33.33%) or steroid-resistant NS (12.5%). No significant demographic associations were observed. Hypocalcemia (82.86%, p=0.018), hypoalbuminemia (100%, p=0.003), and severe proteinuria (62.86%, p=0.034) were more common with vitamin D deficiency. Conclusion: Most children with NS have suboptimal vitamin D levels, especially those with frequent relapses. Vitamin D levels show positive correlations with serum calcium and albumin, emphasizing the need for regular monitoring and supplementation.