The role of vitamin D replacement therapy in serum FGF23 concentration in children with myelomeningocele compared with healthy children – a preliminary study

Abstract

Abstract Background Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a recently discovered bone-derived regulator of vitamin D metabolism and phosphate homeostasis. It inhibits phosphate reabsorption and calcitriol production by the kidney. Myelomeningocele (MMC) remains the most severe form of neural tube defects involving serious locomotor disability, osteoporosis and pathologic fractures. We aimed to investigate the influence of vitamin D replacement therapy on serum FGF23 concentration in children with MMC and compare the results with healthy participants. Methods This prospective analysis was conducted on 16 children with MMC and 20 healthy children. Serum FGF23 levels were measured; for the studied group, before and after vitamin D replacement therapy with cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). The children’s medical charts were analyzed to determine age, sex, anthropometric measurements, calcium and phosphate, cholecalciferol and renal function parameters. Results There were significant differences in vitamin D and FGF23 serum concentrations between the studied groups. The median vitamin D levels in the MMC group increased during replacement therapy (7 vs. 18.5 ng/mL, p = 0.29) in comparison to the median of 25.5 ng/mL in the control group. In MMC children we found a significant decrease in median serum FGF23 after vitamin D replacement therapy (from 42.1 to 0 RU/mL, p < 0.001). FGF23 correlated positively with albumin, serum and urine phosphate levels and negatively with alkaline phosphatase. Conclusions 1. Serum concentration of FGF-23 is increased in MMC children in comparison to a healthy control group. 2. Vitamin D replacement therapy decreases FGF23 concentrations in MMC children, although further studies are still warranted to gain detailed insight on the FGF23 in the MMC population. 3. Children with MMC present vitamin D deficiency. Nutrition supplemented with low doses of cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) (intakes reaching recommended daily allowances) was insufficient to correct 25(OH)-D level in that population of patients.