Assessment of vitamin d deficiency in children with recurrent respiratory infection: A hospital-based observational study conducted at North India

Background: Vitamin D plays an important role in immune function and host defense mechanisms. Deficiency of vitamin D has been increasingly recognized as a contributing factor to recurrent respiratory infections in children, especially in developing countries where both malnutrition and limited sunlight exposure are common.

Aim: To assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in children with recurrent respiratory infections and to evaluate its association with severity and clinical outcomes.

Materials and Methods: This hospital-based observational study was conducted over a period of one year (April 2024 to 2025) at LLRM Medical College, Meerut. A total of 100 children, including children aged 1 month to 10 years admitted in pediatric ward and ICU with recurrent respiratory infections, were included. Data regarding demographic profile, nutritional status, clinical presentation, and frequency of infections were collected. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were measured and categorized as deficient, insufficient, and sufficient. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate tests, and p-value <0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Out of 100 patients, 58% were vitamin D deficient, 26% insufficient, and 16% sufficient. The majority of children belonged to the age group of 1–5 years (30%) and were predominantly male (58%). Pneumonia was the most common clinical presentation (40%), followed by upper respiratory tract infections (32%) and bronchiolitis (28%). A significant association was observed between vitamin D deficiency and severity of infection, with 73.3% of severe/ICU cases being vitamin D deficient (p <0.001). Undernutrition was also significantly associated with severe disease (p = 0.008). Children with deficiency had higher frequency of infections and increased need for ICU admission.

Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among children with recurrent respiratory infections and is significantly associated with increased severity and poor clinical outcomes. Early detection and correction of vitamin D deficiency may help in reducing disease burden and improving pediatric health outcomes.