Evaluation of Vitamin D Status in Children With Acute Burns

Vitamin D Deficiency in Acutely Injured Pediatric Burn Patients: Incidence, Etiology, Metabolic Sequelae and Prevention

To see which vitamin D supplement (D2 vs D3) is most beneficial in burned children.

The purpose of this study is to follow up our descriptive observations with a prospective randomized double blinded study to verify our clinical perception that hypovitaminosis D is prevalent postburn and to evaluate whether therapeutic supplementation will enhance specific primary outcome measures during burn convalescence.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Child is > 6 months of age but < 19 years old
• Burn injury > 30% total body surface area
• Admitted to SHC within 4 days of injury
• Attending physician decision that patient is likely to survive
• Parents or legal guardian give informed consent along with assent of the child as applicable

Exclusion Criteria:

• Attending physician decision that patient is not likely to survive
• Prior history of anticonvulsant or glucocorticoid use, gastric/bowel resection, parathyroid disease, liver disease, chronic renal failure or prior pharmacologic vitamin D use (>1000 IU/D)