Children with LRTI were found to have significantly lower mean vitamin D levels as compared to controls There was likewise a correlation between vitamin D levels and incidence and severity of LRTI .
Studies related to vitamin D deficiency and lower respiratory tract infections ( LRTI ) in children have inconsistent findings .
The objective of this systematic review was to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in children with LRTI , and to evaluate the correlation between vitamin D levels and the incidence and severity of LRTI .
Cord Blood Vitamin D Deficiency Is Associated With Respiratory Syncytial Virus Bronchiolitis
BACKGROUND : Respiratory syncytial virus ( RSV ) is the most important pathogen causing severe lower respiratory tract infection ( LRTI ) in infants . Epidemiologic and basic studies suggest that vitamin D may protect against RSV LRTI . OBJECTIVE : To determine the association between plasma vitamin D concentrations at birth and the subsequent risk of RSV LRTI . DESIGN : A prospect i ve birth cohort study was performed in healthy term neonates . Concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D ( 25-OHD ) in cord blood plasma were related to RSV LRTI in the first year of life , defined as parent-reported LRTI symptoms in a daily log and simultaneous presence of RSV RNA in a nose-throat specimen . RESULTS : The study population included 156 neonates . Eighteen ( 12 % ) developed RSV LRTI . The mean plasma 25-OHD concentration was 82 nmol/L. Overall , 27 % of neonates had 25-OHD concentrations < 50 nmol/L , 27 % had 50 - 74 nmol/L and only 46 % had 25-OHD 75 nmol/L. Cord blood 25-OHD concentrations were strongly associated with maternal vitamin D3 supplementation during pregnancy . Concentrations of 25-OHD were lower in neonates who subsequently developed RSV LRTI compared with those who did not ( 65 nmol/L versus 84 nmol/L , P = .009 ) . Neonates born with 25-OHD concentrations < 50 nmol/L had a sixfold ( 95 % confidence interval : 1.6 - 24.9 ; P = .01 ) increased risk of RSV LRTI in the first year of life compared with those with 25-OHD concentrations ≥75 nmol/L. CONCLUSIONS : Vitamin D deficiency in healthy neonates is associated with increased risk of RSV LRTI in the first year of life . Intensified routine vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy may be a useful strategy to prevent RSV LRTI during infancy
Children with LRTI were found to have significantly lower mean vitamin D levels as compared to controls There was likewise a correlation between vitamin D levels and incidence and severity of LRTI .
Studies related to vitamin D deficiency and lower respiratory tract infections ( LRTI ) in children have inconsistent findings .
The objective of this systematic review was to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in children with LRTI , and to evaluate the correlation between vitamin D levels and the incidence and severity of LRTI .