Association Between Serum Vitamin D and Hepcidin Serum Levels in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major health issue in children and is frequently complicated by anemia, which is associated with poor outcomes. Hepcidin, a central regulator of iron metabolism, is elevated in CKD and exacerbates anemia. Emerging evidence suggests that vitamin D may influence anemia through effects on inflammation and erythropoiesis. However, the relationship between hepcidin and vitamin D in pediatric CKD remains unclear.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between serum hepcidin and vitamin D levels in children with CKD.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 40 children aged 3 months to <18 years with CKD, recruited through consecutive sampling. Serum hepcidin and vitamin D levels were measured using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between hepcidin and vitamin D.

Results: Mean serum hepcidin levels differed significantly according to vitamin D status (p < 0.001). A strong negative correlation was found between serum hepcidin and vitamin D levels (r = –0.856, p < 0.001), indicating that higher hepcidin concentrations were associated with lower vitamin D levels.

Conclusion: Serum hepcidin levels are inversely correlated with vitamin D concentrations in children with CKD. These findings suggest that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to increased hepcidin production, potentially worsening anemia.