Vitamin D and pneumonia in children in the high Ecuadorian Andes (639.11)

Background: Recent studies have explored the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and respiratory infections. The role that vitamin D deficiency plays with acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI) is of particular importance as pneumonia causes nearly 1.3 million deaths per year in children under 5 years. Objective: To determine the association between vitamin D status and pneumonia in children aged 6-36 months in the Ecuadorian Andes. Design: We conducted a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial, the Vitamin A and Zinc Prevention of Pneumonia (VAZPOP) study; a weight-stratified, community-based study involving children living near Quito, Ecuador who were randomized to receive vitamin A and/or zinc supplementation and followed for 48 weeks to determine the impact on episodes of pneumonia. ALRI was defined as an increased respiratory rate of 40 breaths per minute and/or lower respiratory secretions with at least one of the following: cough, fever, or chest retractions. Vitamin D deficien...