A Study of Vitamin A Levels in the Plasma of Children with Pneumonia

الملخص

Pneumonia remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children under five years of age, particularly in developing countries. Vitamin A is essential for immune function and epithelial integrity, and its deficiency is associated with increased susceptibility to infection. This paper systematically reviews the existing literature on vitamin A levels in the plasma of children with pneumonia, aiming to determine the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency in this population and its relationship to disease severity. The findings indicate a high prevalence of subclinical vitamin A deficiency among children with pneumonia, suggesting a potential link to susceptibility and severity of the disease. While some studies show positive effects of vitamin A supplementation, its efficacy as an adjunct therapy remains debatable, with inconsistent results that may be due to differences in study design, nutritional status, disease severity, and dosage. The review highlights that low plasma vitamin A levels may be a consequence of acute infection, necessitating more accurate assessment methods such as the Relative Dose Response (RDR) test. Socioeconomic factors also play a crucial role, underscoring the need for comprehensive interventions. Further research, particularly well-controlled randomized clinical trials, is needed to determine the optimal dosage, timing of intervention, and target populations for vitamin A supplementation, taking into account the complex interplay between vitamin A status, immune response, and acute infection..