Correlation between serum alkaline phosphatase and vitamin D3 levels among 1-14 years old malnourished children- A descriptive observational study

Background: Vitamin D deficiencies are highly prevalent globally, but the correlation between serum alkaline phosphatase and vitamin D3 deficiency among Indian children is seldom investigated. To describe the correlation of vitamin D3 levels and serum alkaline phosphatase levels among children admitted with malnutrition to the pediatric wards of a tertiary care center. Methods: This descriptive observational study was conducted among 250 malnourished children aged between 1–14-years, attending the outpatient department of a rural tertiary care center in Faridabad, Haryana. The study was conducted from February 2019 to March 2020. A detailed history was taken using a questionnaire administered to the parents/guardians of the enrolled children. Demographic data, serum alkaline phosphatase, and vitamin D3 levels were used for analysis. The collected data was transferred and analyzed in coGuide software. Results: The mean age of children was 6.32 ± 4.15 years (range 1-14 years). More than half (64.50%) of all malnourished children were males. Mean serum alkaline phosphatase levels were 226.95 ± 169.39 u/l (range 89 - 2341), and the mean serum vitamin D3 levels were 19.79 ± 11.99 ng/ml (range 5.49 to 69.53 ng/ml). A weak negative correlation between serum alkaline phosphate (U/L) and serum vitamin D3(ng/ml) (rs: -0.105, P : 0.118) was observed. Conclusion:  There was a negative correlation between serum alkaline phosphate and serum vitamin D3. As vitamin D3 levels were low in malnourished children, active surveillance and aggressive management is the need of the hour.