Effect of Sunlight Exposure on Bone Mineral Density in Children with Severe Disability

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of sunlight exposure for increasing bone mineral density (BMD) in children with severe disability. The subjects were five children with severe disability, aged 6 to 8 years. BMD was measured at baseline and after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of starting sunlight exposure. All caregivers of patients were instructed to create opportunities to stay outdoors. Daily sunlight exposure time was defined as hours of staying outdoors. Mean hours of sunbathing per day were calculated at baseline and after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of starting sunlight exposure. Sunlight exposure tended to be longer after starting than before starting in all patients, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.052). Along with the increase in sunlight exposure, BMD increased significantly after the start of sunlight exposure in all patients (p < 0.01). The serum values of total alkaline phosphatase and intact parathyroid hormone were significantly decreased and that of 25-hydroxyvitamin D was significantly increased 12 months after starting sunlight exposure. No patients had bone fractures after the start of sunlight exposure. These results suggest that sunlight exposure increased BMD, and that this may reduce the risk of bone fracture in children with disability.

Keywords

bone mineral density - BMD - osteoporosis - bone fracture - sunlight exposure - children with severe disability

Notes

This research was supported in part by The Japan Epilepsy Research Foundation and a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (22591123). The funding sources had no involvement such as study design, the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data, the writing of the report, and the decision to submit the article for publication. We confirm that we have read the Journal's position on issues involving ethical publication and affirm that this report is consistent with those guidelines. None of the authors have any conflicts of interest to disclose.

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