Publication:

Role of serum vitamin D levels in patients with chronic tonsillitis in paediatric age group

Background Vitamin D has got an important role in the defence system of our body. Objective were to assess the vitamin D levels in chronic tonsillitis and to find the association between the vitamin D deficiency and chronic tonsillitis in paediatric age group.

Methods A total of 325 patients aged between 5 and 15 years were enrolled in this study who were diagnosed with recurrent tonsillitis between January 2021 and December 2022. The patients were followed-up for one year and the total episodes of acute tonsillitis were recorded. Patients were divided into three groups: Those who had 5 episodes per year (Group 2) in the last two years, those who come to OPD with otological complaint, with no tonsillar involvement as a control group (Group 3). The total number of recurrent tonsillitis episodes within one year, demographic characteristics and the mean serum 25 (OH) D levels of the groups were compared.

Results The tonsil size according to the Brodsky Scale and the mean 25 (OH) D levels were compared and we found, lower vitamin D levels were significantly associated with larger tonsil sizes (p=0.023).

Conclusions There is a statistically significant association between vitamin D levels and recurrent episodes of tonsillitis. As the grade of tonsillar enlargement increased, the level of vitamin D were reduced significantly, thus correlating vitamin D levels not only with recurrence, but also grade of tonsillar enlargement.