Association of Vitamin D Deficiency with Recurrent Respiratory Tract Infections in Pediatric Age Group
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background: Vitamin D deficiency is now declared a global health problem. The low level of serum Vitamin D contributes to a number of illnesses. Vitamin D deficiency has a well-established link with the recurrent respiratory tract infections in all age groups, especially pediatric and elderly age group. However, the inverse relation between vitamin D treatment and frequency of Respiratory tract infection is still uncertain. Objective: To determine the association of the vitamin D deficiency and its treatment with the frequency of recurrent respiratory tract infections in pediatric age group (1 to 14 years). Method: In this prospective Cohort Study, we assessed the response of 139 selected children to the vitamin D supplementation and resultant change in the frequency of respiratory tract infections, over a period of 6 months, from February 01, 2021 to July 30, 2021 at Children Hospital & Institute of Child Health, Faisalabad. Results: After calculating sample size, 139 Vitamin D Deficient children of age 5 years to 14 years were selected for this study. In this prospective cohort, the frequency of the RTIs in these children is documented on the basis of total 6, monthly hospital visits to evaluate the association of RTIs with serum Vitamin D levels. The frequencies of Nasal Obstruction (p=<0.02), Sinusitis (<0.01), Tonsilitis (p=<0.001), Pharyngitis (p=<0.02) remarkably declined after correcting serum vitamin D levels. Conclusion: Recurrent RTIs in school going children have multiple physical, psychological, and social effects on the affected children. Repetitive infections not only result in weak immune system, financial burden, and impaired school performance/attendance, but also stunted growth due to persistent septic burden in growing age. In agreement with multiple studies, our study also concludes that Vitamin D Deficiency is significantly associated with the frequency of recurrent episodes of RTIs.