Vit D Deficiency as Risk factor for Renal Scarring in rUTIs

• 04 Nov 2020 09:47:34 AM
• |Pediatic Urology

Dear All,

We are all aware of the probable predisposing causes for Renal scarring in children with rUTI. This has been discussed during the various Webinars that we had in recent times and are well documented in literature. Though we do know that Vit D plays prominent role in various inflammatory processes, their role in development of Renal Scarring, is not well understood. 

I am providing an article from Serra Sürmeli Döven* and Semra Erdoğan (2020 published July 20^th) addressing the probable role of Vit D Deficiency in contributing to renal scarring by increasing inflammation in patients with recurrent UTIs.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ped.14397 (PDF available)

In this article the authors have discussed the roles of VIT D in Inflammatory processes and have concluded that Vit D deficiency could be an independent Risk factor. The authors confess that ‘we cannot conclude that vitamin D deficiency leads to renal scarring’. But all available evidence from literature points to the fact that Vit D Deficiency could lead to increase in Renal Scar formation in rUTIs. Studies have also shown that in many children could develop Renal Scars without obvious UTI.

How significant is Vit D deficiency in Indian Scenario. Our children are usually exposed to sunlight in plenty and hence the chances of Vit D deficiency could be low. But if Vit D could be a contributory factor for higher Renal Scarring, then this could be corrected by administration of Vit D if it is found deficient.

This article is worth a read as it provides information that could be looked into for the benefit of preventing or lowering Renal Scars in rUTIs.

With warm Regards,

Venu