The Role Of Serum Vitamin D Level On Lower Respiratory Tract Infections In Children

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of serum 25 (OH) vitamin D levels on the clinical aspect of acute lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in children.Material and Methods: Fifty patients (19 female, 32%) who had been internalized in Haseki Training and Research Hospital, Department of Pediatrics with the diagnosis of LRTIs were enrolled in this study. Fifty healthy subjects in the same age group constituted the control group. Serum 25 (OH) vitamin D levels were measured by ELISA method. Prenatal, postnatal factors and nutritional status of children that may influence serum 25 (OH) vitamin D levels were also evaluated.Results: The mean age of patients was 34.1 +/- 24.3 months. The most common type of LRTIs were bronchiolitis (80%) and bronchopneumonia (20%). The degree of severity was grouped as mild (12%), moderate (64%) and severe (24%). Mean serum 25 (OH) vitamin D level was 45.50 +/- 21.82 ng/mL in study group and was 55.18 +/- 26.83 ng/mL in control group. There was negative correlation between frequency of LRTIs and serum 25 (OH) vitamin D levels (r=-0.522, p=<0.001). Serum 25 (OH) vitamin D levels in patients with severe LRTIs were significantly lower than the mild and moderate group (p values are 0.007 and 0.004, respectively).Conclusion: Serum 25 (OH) vitamin D levels were inversely proportional with the severity and frequency of LRTIs.