RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SERUM VITAMIN D, LUNG FUNCTION, DISEASE SEVERITY, AND AIRWAY REMODELING IN ADULTS WITH ASTHMA

Abstract

Background: Asthma is a prevalent chronic inflammatory airway disease affecting children globally. Factors such as lifestyle, allergens, infections, and genetics contribute to its development. Vitamin D deficiency has been hypothesized to influence asthma severity due to its immunomodulatory properties.

Methodology: This case-control study, conducted at Abbottabad International Medical Institute, Abbottabad from January 2022 to 2023, involved 150 children aged 6-18 years. Participants were divided into asthmatic (case) and healthy (control) groups (n=75 each). Serum vitamin D levels were measured using ELISA, and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were conducted. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlations and multiple linear regressions.

Results: Significant differences in serum vitamin D levels were observed between case (mean 20.11 ng/ml) and control (mean 19.00 ng/ml) groups (P < 0.01). Vitamin D deficiency prevalence was higher in asthmatic children, with 10% severe deficiency and 43.3% deficiency. Asthmatic children exhibited lower vitamin D levels than controls (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion: This study highlights a significant ‘association between vitamin D deficiency and asthma’ severity in children. Lower vitamin D levels correlated with higher asthma severity indices, including reduced lung function and elevated IgE levels. Further research is needed to explore the clinical implications of vitamin D supplementation in managing childhood asthma.