Asian Journal of Medical Principles and Clinical Practice

A Cohort Study and an Audit Project on Vitamin D Prescribing Practices for Children in Pediatric Clinics at a Tertiary Hospital in Jordan

Sallam Alrosan

Internal Medicine, Saint Luke’s Health System, Kansas City, MO., USA.

Basil Aldiabat

Faculty of Medicine, Mutah University, Karak, Jordan.

Rola Khlifat

Faculty of Medicine, Mutah University, Karak, Jordan.

Suha Alhourani

Faculty of Medicine, Mutah University, Karak, Jordan.

Areej Alholi

Faculty of Medicine, Mutah University, Karak, Jordan.

Ruba Al-Dwairi

Faculty of Medicine, Mutah University, Karak, Jordan.

Reem Ghabayen

Faculty of Medicine, Mutah University, Karak, Jordan.

Raneem Naser

Faculty of Medicine, Mutah University, Karak, Jordan.

Zaid Al-Rabadi

Faculty of Medicine, Mutah University, Karak, Jordan.

Rami Al-Mjali

Department of Pediatrics, Mutah University, Karak, Jordan.

Mohammad Daradkeh

Faculty of Medicine, Mutah University, Karak, Jordan.

Mohammad Abu-Jeyyab *

Faculty of Medicine, Mutah University, Karak, Jordan.

Mohammad Al Mse'adeen

Faculty of Medicine, Mutah University, Karak, Jordan.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

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Abstract

Background: Vitamin D is required for skeletal development and bone health. A severe deficit can cause rickets and osteomalacia among children and adults respectively. There are few dietary sources of vitamin D. Various recommedations states that all infants and young children aged 6 months to 3 years are advised to take a daily supplement containing vitamin D in the form of vitamin drops.

Aims: This study was done to assess the adherence NICE recommendations regarding supplementation of vitamin D for children in pediatrics clinics at tertiary hospital in south of Jordan according to the NICE recommendations.

Methods: Data was collected in retrospective manner. The following   information was gathered for each sample: gestational age when delivered, age and developmental age, type of feeding, amount, past medical and drug history and allergic history, social history and if prescribed vitamin D or not.

Results: A total of 64 children were recorded in which 42 out of them (65.6%) were prescribed vitamin D supplements.

Conclusion: Collaboration between policymakers and health care professionals is required to fill the gap between guidelines and clinical practice.

Keywords: Vitamin D, skeletal development, vitamin D deficiency management

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