Synthesis of vitamin D in skin after burns.

Klein, Gordon L; Chen, Tai C; Holick, Michael F; Langman, Craig B; Price, Heather; Celis, Mario M; Herndon, David N · Lancet · 2004

case_series · Level IV

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Abstract

Severe burn injury is associated with vitamin D deficiency, low bone turnover, and abnormalities in calcium homoeostasis. Patients do not routinely receive vitamin D supplementation and sun exposure is currently not controlled. By analysis of skin biopsy samples for vitamin D3 precursors after exposure to ultraviolet B light we found that the conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol to previtamin D3 was reduced in children a mean of 14 months after the burn. Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations were also found. We conclude that vitamin D supplementation is necessary after burn injury.

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