The role of vitamin D replacement therapy in serum FGF23 concentration in children with myelomeningocele compared with healthy children - a preliminary study.

Background Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a recently discovered bone-derived regulator of vitamin D metabolism and phosphate homeostasis. It inhibits phosphate reabsorption and calcitriol production by the kidney. Myelomeningocele (MMC) remains the most severe form of neural tube defects involving serious locomotor disability, osteoporosis and pathologic fractures.

The role of appetite-regulating hormones: Ghrelin and leptin in the nutritional status of children with neurogenic bladder due to myelomeningocele.

Aim: We wanted to investigate serum levels of ghrelin and leptin - appetite-regulating hormones - and their correlation with the nutritional status of children with neurogenic bladder (NB) due to myelomeningocele (MMC) in comparison to healthy individuals.

Methods: This prospective analysis was conducted on 67 children with NB after MMC and 20 healthy children. Children's medical charts were analysed to determine age, gender, anthropometric measurements, body mass index (BMI), activity assessment using Hoffer's scale and renal function parameters.