Effect of vitamin D on chronic otitis media with effusion

Aim Vitamin D has a variety of functions other than well-known effects on calcium-phosphorus metabolism and is accepted as a steroid hormone. Identification of vitamin D receptors in immune system cells points to the immunomodulatory role of vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency seems to be related to a higher risk of respiratory tract infections. This study investigates the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and otitis media with effusion. Methods This prospective study was conducted in a tertiary-care hospital in one fall season. The study group included children with chronic otitis media with effusion (COME), and the control group included children without any health problems. The diagnosis of otitis media with effusion was made with pneumatic otoscopy and supported by tympanometry. Serum levels of 25(OH)D3, calcium, parathyroid hormone, phosphorus, magnesium, alkaline phosphatase, and magnesium were investigated in both groups, and comparisons were made between the groups. Results 29 patients with COME and 30 controls were included between 6 and 12 years of age. Serum level of 25(OH) D3 was 17.15±10.39 and 41.80±18.23 ng/ml in the study and control groups, respectively (P = .001). Vitamin D deficiency was detected in 15 patients (51.7%) in the study group, whereas in 3 (10%) individuals in the control group. Significant differences were also found in the levels of alkaline phosphatase and magnesium, whereas levels of parathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphorus were not significantly different between the groups. Conclusion We propose that lower vitamin D levels might play an important role in the etiology of chronic otitis media with effusion.