Research

Medical Sciences

Title :

Vitamin D supplementation for severe pneumonia in under-five children: A double blind, randomized placebo controlled trial

Area of research :

Medical Sciences

Focus area :

Child Health

Principal Investigator :

Dr. Piyush Gupta, Professor, University College of Medical Sciences (UCMS) and GTB Hospital, New Delhi

Timeline Start Year :

2012

Timeline End Year :

2015

Contact info :

Details

Executive Summary :

A single oral dose of 100,000 IU Vitamin D3 supplementation given during the episode of severe pneumonia marginally improves the chances of early resolution of severe pneumonia without any clinically significant effect on the duration of illness; and specific or non-specific immune markers. The intervention does not prevent the recurrence of pneumonia in next six months, despite an improvement in vitamin D status in the supplemented group. We conclude that there is no robust evidence of a definite biological benefit to suggest a routine megadose supplement for under-five children with severe pneumonia.

Co-PI:

Dr. Dheeraj Shah Professor, University College of Medical Sciences (UCMS) and GTB Hospital, New Delhi, Professor, University College of Medical Sciences (UCMS) and GTB Hospital, New Delhi, Director-Professor and Head, Division of Endocrinology and University College of Medical Sciences (UCMS) and GTB Hospital, New Delhi, Dr. Iqbal R Kaur, Professor and Head, University College of Medical Sciences (UCMS) and GTB Hospital, New Delhi, Sr. Programmer-cum-Statistician, University College of Medical Sciences (UCMS) and GTB Hospital, New Delhi

Organizations involved