Prevalence of Vitamin A Deficiency in Children Aged 6 Months to 5 Years with Pneumonia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
Background: Vitamin A plays an important role in maintaining epithelial integrity and supporting immune function. However, serum retinol concentrations may decrease transiently during acute infection and inflammation. This study assessed the prevalence of low serum retinol and its association with pneumonia severity among children aged 6 months to 5 years.
Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 70 children aged 6 months to 5 years with clinically and radiologically diagnosed pneumonia admitted to a tertiary-care teaching hospital in Kanpur, India, between June 2024 and February 2026. Serum retinol was measured at admission using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and categorized as normal (≥20 µg/dL), low (10 to <20 µg/dL), or severely low (<10 µg/dL). Pneumonia severity was classified according to World Health Organization criteria. Associations between serum retinol status and pneumonia severity were assessed using Fisher’s exact test and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Pearson’s correlation was used to assess relationships between serum retinol concentration and clinical severity indicators. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors independently associated with severe pneumonia.
Results: Among 70 children, 51 (72.9%) had serum retinol concentrations below 20 µg/dL, including 19 (27.1%) with severely low concentrations. Severe pneumonia was present in 32 (45.7%) children. Severe pneumonia…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause. Reported size: 70 participants or records.
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