Abstract

Aim: To compare the efficacy of supplement vitamin A versus placebo in acute lower respiratory tract infection

Study Design: Randomized Controlled trial

Place of Study and Duration: Paediatrics Unit, Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Lahore from 1st January 2018 to 31st December 2019

Methodology: Two hundred children from 2 months to 5 years with ALRI were included and randomized by lottery method into two groups (100 each) receiving either vitamin A (group A) or placebo (group B). Oxygen, intravenous antibiotics and nebulization were given to patients as per hospital protocol. In group A, vitamin A 1500IU (one drop of vitamin A) while in group B (one drop of olive oil as placebo) was given once daily for 5 days. Patients were re assessed at 5th day of admission for resolution of fever, tachypnea and feeding difficulty and efficacy recorded. The efficacy of vitamin A was compared by using chi square test with p˂ 0.05 as significant result.

Results: Patients in group-A (85%) were treated effectively compared to group-B (69%) with statistical significant result (P 0.007).

Conclusion: In children efficacy of supplemented vitamin A was significantly higher than placebo with acute lower respiratory infections.

Keywords: Lower respiratory infections, vitamin A, Efficacy