Question 1: Does vitamin D supplementation prevent acute lower respiratory tract infections in children?

摘要: A 5-year-old boy presents with a 4-day history of cough, fever and increased work breathing. On auscultation, he has right-sided basal crepitations. chest X-ray shows right lower lobe pneumonia. He medical vitamin D deficiency; however, his mother informs you that levels are now normal. This is second episode pneumonia since birth. You wonder if there any evidence to suggest supplementation will reduce risk further episodes respiratory tract infection (LRTI). In child (patient), does (intervention) lead reduced LRTIs (outcome)? ### Primary search EMBASE Medline were searched using the Ovid Medline(R) database (1946 present) in May 2014 Daily Update Search strategy. The following key words used: (Vitamin OR Ergocalciferol Cholecalciferol alfacalcidol) AND (Respiratory infections Pneumonia). search language was limited English ‘all child’ (0–18 years). identified 35 articles. Only trials investigating effects on incidence acute LRTI included, leaving three relevant references all publications reviewed two articles identified. total five available for review1–5 (table 1). View this table: Table 1 Does prevent infections? ### Secondary search A Cochrane library revealed protocol preventing children aged <5 years; results pending currently no review. Acute LRTIs, predominantly pneumonia, most common cause childhood mortality worldwide.8 Poor nutritional status well-recognised susceptibility children.9 ,10 Vitamin deficiency …