A number of risk factors may contribute to vitamin D deficiency in a patient with sickle cell disease. Vitamin D deficiency may be associated with a number of adverse effects of the disease.
Patient selection: sickle cell disease including sickle-thalassemia
Criteria for vitamin D deficiency: serum 25-OHD concentration < 20 ng/mL
Risk factors for vitamin D deficiency:
(1) dark skin
(2) limited sun exposure
(3) age less than 40 years of age
(4) no vitamin D supplementation
(5) poor nutrition
(6) renal dysfunction
(7) female sex
(8) severe hemoglobin genotype
Vitamin D supplementation should be considered for a patient with sickle cell disease, especially if young.
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