Serum vitamin D levels among children with Cerebral Palsy attending tertiary rehabilitation clinics in Kampala. A cross-sectional study.

Julius Ssekyewa; Lawrence Fred Sembajwe; Richard Idro; Esther Acen

doi:10.51168/bbxndb50

Authors

Julius Ssekyewa Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University
Dr Lawrence Fred Sembajwe Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University
Assoc. Prof. Idro Richard Department of Paediatrics, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University.
Dr. Esther Acen Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/bbxndb50

Keywords:

Serum vitamin D levels, Children with Cerebral Palsy, Tertiary Rehabilitation clinics in Kampala

Abstract

Background

Vitamin D promotes intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate, both essential for bone mineralization and skeletal development. The study aims to determine serum vitamin D levels among children with Cerebral Palsy attending Tertiary Rehabilitation Clinics in Kampala.

Methodology

This study employed a cross-sectional analytical design involving three comparative groups of children. The study compared children diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) with two groups: children without cerebral palsy but presenting with other medical conditions (non-CP sick children) and apparently healthy children.

Results

The age distribution differed significantly (p = 0.001). Mean vitamin D levels differed significantly across the study groups (F = 11.87, p < 0.001). Children with cerebral palsy had the lowest mean vitamin D levels (24.81 ng/ml) compared with non-CP sick children (33.38 ng/ml) and healthy children (38.79 ng/ml). Significant differences in vitamin D levels were also observed according to the presence of seizures (F = 25.20, p < 0.001) and use of anticonvulsant medications (F = 49.21, p < 0.001). Children receiving anticonvulsant therapy had lower mean vitamin D levels compared with those not receiving such treatment. Additionally, children with more severe motor impairment (GMFCS levels III–V) had lower mean vitamin D levels compared with those with milder impairment (F = 5.69, p = 0.0217).

Conclusion

Children with cerebral palsy had significantly lower vitamin D levels than non-CP sick and healthy children. Low vitamin D levels were particularly associated with seizures, anticonvulsant use, and severe motor impairment. Routine vitamin D assessment should therefore be considered in children with cerebral palsy, especially those with these risk factors.

Recommendations

Healthcare providers managing children with cerebral palsy should consider routine screening for serum vitamin D levels, particularly among children with severe motor impairment or those receiving anticonvulsant medications.

Author Biographies

Julius Ssekyewa, Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University

holds a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from Earnest Cook University, a Bachelor of Medical Education from MAK, and is a graduate student of Human Physiology at the School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University. And currently undertaking specialised training in Electroencephalography at Neuro Tech Training Institute, Wisconsin, USA.
Dr Lawrence Fred Sembajwe, Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University

is a lecturer in the Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University,
Assoc. Prof. Idro Richard, Department of Paediatrics, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University.

works in the Department of Paediatrics, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University.
Dr. Esther Acen, Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University.

works in the Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University.

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