The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and factors associated with vitamin D levels in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The children with JIA who had an outpatient visit between March 2011 and October 2011 were evaluated retrospectively. The patients were divided into three groups according to the 25(OH)D level as: Group 1: >20 ng/ml, Group 2: 15-20 ng/ml, and Group 3: <15 ng/ml. A total of 76 patients, 45 (59.2%) girls with a mean age of 10.0±4.2 years and median follow-up of 12 months (3-110), were included in the study. The mean serum vitamin D level was 21.6±12.7 ng/ml. Vitamin D insufficiency (15-20 ng/ ml) and deficiency (<15 ng/ml) were found in 13 (17.1%) and 28 (36.8%) patients, respectively. Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were high in 23 (30.2%) and 16 (22.2%) patients, respectively. Vitamin D deficiency is common in children with JIA. 25(OH)D levels should be monitored, and vitamin D supplementation should be given.

Keywords: juvenil idiyopatik artrit, çocuk, D vitamini.