Abstract

Objective: To compare difference in vitamin D level between two modes of therapy (intramuscular vs oral form) for hypovitaminosis D in children under five years of age.

Study Design: Randomized control trial

Place and Duration of Study: Pediatric Medicine, District Headquarter Hospital Sargodha from 15th November 2017 to 14th May 2018.

Subjects & Methods: Sixty children with hypovitaminosis D and age less than 5 years were included and randomly divided into two groups; A single intramuscular D3 injection (1-ml ampoule, 300 000 IU/ml in sesame oil) was given to Group I and a total dose of 300 000 IU D3 in the form of six pearls was given to Group II, each pearl containing 50000 IU. Hypovitaminosis D was determined by vitamin D levels less than 75nmol/l by standard laboratory procedure (Radioimmunoassay). Mean change in vitamin D level was measured at baseline and after three months of therapy.

Results: The mean age was 35.3±13.3 months. Baseline vitamin D level and vitamin D level after 3 months when compared with each other, using paired sampled test, results were highly significant (p value < 0.001). It implies that both oral and injectable forms of cholecalciferol are effective. Mean difference in intramuscular group from baseline was 51.0±16.1 nmol/l and in oral group, it came out 50.6±16.4 nmol/l. When independent sampled test was applied, results were non-significant (p=0.9). It implies that there is no difference in either modality.

Conclusion: No difference in vitamin D level was observed after three months between injectable and oral cholecalciferol therapy for treatment of low vitamin D level in children of age less than five years.

Keywords: Vitamin D, Cholecalciferol, Hypovitaminosis D