Connection of vitamin D levels in blood serum with helicobacter pylori infection in paediatric patients

Introduction
Helicobacter pylori is a globally prevalent infection, particularly in developing countries, with significant implications for gastrointestinal health in children. Recent studies suggest a potential link between vitamin D and its metabolites in enhancing the effectiveness of H. pylori eradication therapies through their bactericidal properties.

Aim
To investigate the correlation between the vitamin D levels and their influence on clinical management and treatment results of children patients, tested for H. pylori.

Material and methods
The study was conducted on a cohort of 128 paediatric patients. They were divided into 2 groups, depending on whether positive (first group – A) or negative (second group – B) for H. pylori. To determine vitamin D levels, venous blood was taken from all participants from both groups. Group 1 included patients whose indexes were up to 10 ng/ml; Group 2 included patients whose indexes were from 10 ng/ml to 20 ng/ml; Group 3 levels were from 20 ng/ml to 30 ng/ml; and Group 4 indexes were over 30 ng/ml. The efficiency of the H. pylori eradication scheme in participants of these groups was evaluated.

Results
The mean values in Group A were higher than those in Group B: 17.1 and 14.9, respectively, p-value 0.03. Helicobacter pylori prevalence was higher in participants with vitamin D levels below 30 ng/ml. As a result of the study, it was established that vitamin D levels below 30 ng/ml in blood serum could be a predisposing factor in the spread of H. pylori in paediatric patients. At the same time, different levels of deficiency below 30 ng/ml did not affect the frequency of H. pylori infection.

Conclusions
The obtained data can be used in developing guidelines for clinical management of children patients who are primarily diagnosed with H. pylori and require eradication therapy.