PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Anjay M.A. Pillai
AU  - Vijay Palanivel
TI  - Subclinical vitamin D deficiency and acute respiratory tract infections in children: A systematic review
DP  - 2011 Sep 01
TA  - European Respiratory Journal
PG  - p507
VI  - 38
IP  - Suppl 55
4099  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/38/Suppl_55/p507.short
4100  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/38/Suppl_55/p507.full
SO  - Eur Respir J2011 Sep 01; 38
AB  - Rickets has historically been considered as a risk factor for development of pneumonia, primarily due to mechanical factors such as rib cage abnormalities and hypotonia. However, the association between vitamin D levels and acute respiratory tract infections (RTI) in children without rickets has not been thoroughly explored so far.Aims: We aim to systematically review the available literature regarding:Association of low Vitamin D levels with RTI in children without clinical ricketsRole of Vitamin D supplementation in prevention and treatment of RTI.Methods: Structured systematic literature searchResults: Seven papers on association of low Vitamin D levels and RTI were obtained. See Table 1.Two papers, both double blinded randomised controlled trials (RCT), were identified on Vitamin D supplementation in RTI. See Table 2.Conclusions: Our literature review has revealed that subclinical vitamin D levels are strongly associated with risk of acquiring RTI as well as increased RTI-related morbidity. There is some evidence from interventional studies regarding the potential role of vitamin D in prevention and treatment of RTI.