VITAMIN D LEVELS, IRON LEVELS IN PAEDIATRIC ACUTE LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION

Dr. Divya Dhiman and *Dr. Twinkle Sood

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To study vit D, Iron levels in patients of acute lower respiratory tract infection and to study the association between vitamin D, iron levels and patients with acute lower respiratory tract infection. Materials and Methods: A hospital based observational study was carried out at Civil Hospital Palampur for a period of 6 months. A total of 60 patients between the age group of 2 months to 6 years with history of Acute lower respiratory tract infection were included in the study. Vit D and Iron levels were assessed in these patients. These patients were followed up for 6 months. Results: We found that out of 60 cases of acute lower respiratory infections, 38(63.3 %) were males and 22(36.6%) were females. 55% of patients were having vitamin D levels <10 ng/ml, 10 (16.6%) were having vitamin D levels in the range of 10 -20 ng/ml, 17(28.3%) were having vitamin D levels in the range of 20 -60 ng/ml. Out of 60 patients, 44 (73.3%) were having HB < 11 g/dl and 16 (26.6%) were having Hb more than 11 g/dl. Out of 60 patients, 18 (30%) patients were having serum iron level <60 mcg/dl and 42 (70%) were having serum iron levels > 60 mcg/dl. Conclusion: Our study showed that Vitamin D deficiency and Iron deficiency anaemia can predispose children for acute lower respiratory tract infections. So Vitamin D and iron supplementation should be considered to prevent respiratory tract infections in children.

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