DefinePK

Research Objective

To ascertain how frequently children with recurrent chest infections are vitamin D deficient.

Methodology

Cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, from August 10, 2021, to February 10, 2022. The study included 103 children aged 1 to 5 years with recurrent chest infections. Blood samples were collected for vitamin D level assessment. Data was analyzed using IBM-SPSS version 23, with frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviation calculated. A p-value of 0.05 was used to determine statistical significance.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD;
    A["Define Research Objective"] --> B["Study Design: Cross-Sectional"];
    B --> C["Setting: Hayatabad Medical Complex"];
    C --> D["Period: Aug 2021 - Feb 2022"];
    D --> E["Participant Recruitment: 103 children with recurrent chest infections"];
    E --> F["Blood Sample Collection for Vitamin D Levels"];
    F --> G["Data Analysis: SPSS v23"];
    G --> H["Statistical Analysis: Frequencies, Percentages, Mean, SD, Chi-Square Test"];
    H --> I["Interpretation of Results"];
    I --> J["Formulate Conclusion"];                    

Discussion

The study found a substantial prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in children with recurrent respiratory infections, aligning with previous research. Vitamin D is implicated in immune function, potentially influencing the development and differentiation of lymphocytes and the production of antibacterial peptides. Deficiency may lead to muscle weakness, impaired clearance of respiratory secretions, and increased susceptibility to infections like pneumonia and tuberculosis.

Key Findings

- 60.2% of children with recurrent chest infections had vitamin D deficiency.
- The age range of participants was 1 to 5 years, with a mean age of 3.80 years.
- 67% of the patients were male and 33% were female.
- Vitamin D deficiency was not significantly stratified by age (p=0.977), gender (p=0.130), or residential status (p=0.270).

Conclusion

Vitamin D deficiency is significantly more common in children experiencing recurrent respiratory tract infections. Examining and treating vitamin D levels in these children is recommended for better management of recurrent respiratory infections.

Fact Check

- Study period: August 10, 2021, to February 10, 2022. (Confirmed)
- Number of participants: 103 children. (Confirmed)
- Percentage of patients with vitamin D deficiency: 60.2%. (Confirmed)

Mind Map