The Association of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D With Biomarkers of Hemolysis in Pediatric Patients With Sickle Cell Disease

Although vitamin D deficiency (VDD) has been linked to anemia among sickle cell disease (SCD), its relationship with hemolysis is unclear. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and biomarkers of hemolysis (hemoglobin [Hb]/hematocrit, reticulocyte percentage, absolute reticulocyte, and lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] levels) in 36 hydroxyurea-naive SCD children were quantified. Correlations were significantly positive with Hb/hematocrit (r=0.40, P=0.017; r=0.45, P=0.006, respectively); inverse with reticulocyte percentage, absolute reticulocyte, and LDH (r=-0.44, P=0.008; r=-0.47, P=0.007; r=-0.45, P=0.007, respectively). In VDD groups, Hb was lower (P=0.014), reticulocyte counts and LDH were higher (P=0.047 and 0.003, respectively). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D correlated with biomarkers of hemolysis in SCD and VDD may play a role in SCD pathogenesis.