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Study of Vitamin D for the Prevention of Acute Respiratory Infections in Children

Phase 2
Completed
Conditions
Acute Respiratory Tract Infections
Registration Number
NCT02046577
Lead Sponsor
Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile
Brief Summary

The main purpose of this study is to determine whether weekly oral vitamin D supplementation is effective to prevent acute respiratory tract infections in children. The hypothesis of the study is that vitamin D supplementation reduces the incidence and severity of acute respiratory tract infections in children.

Detailed Description

Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) are associated with high levels of morbidity and socioeconomic impact, particularly affecting young children. Observational studies have shown an association between vitamin D (VD) deficiency and higher incidence and severity of respiratory infections. Chile has a high prevalence of VD deficiency, particularly in the southern regions of the country. The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of oral VD supplementation to decrease the incidence of ARTIs in 275 preschool children. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study will be performed in Santiago, Coyhaique and Punta Arenas. Children aged 18 to 36 months will be given weekly oral 5600 IU of vitamin D3 (VD3), 11200 IU of VD3, or placebo doses during 6 months.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
276
Inclusion Criteria
  • Children aged 18 to 36 months attending daycare in Santiago, Coyhaique or Punta Arenas.
Exclusion Criteria
  • History of chronic illness requiring immunosuppression
  • History of metabolic bone disease
  • Use of vitamin D supplementation greater than 400 IU daily, either by milk formula or vitamin supplements in the last 3 months.
  • Use of fish oil supplements in the last 3 months.
  • Immunodeficiency
  • Planned trip to sunny climate during study period.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Incidence of acute respiratory tract infections6 months
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels6 months

Baseline and after 6 months measurement of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels.

Viral etiology of ARTIs6 months

Specific virological etiology of ARTIs will be evaluated by polymerase chain reaction in children with febrile ARTIs and with medical diagnosis of bronchiolitis or pneumonia.

Hospitalizations due to acute respiratory tract infections6 months
Serum cathelicidin levels6 months

Baseline and after 6 months measurement of serum cathelicidin levels.

Bone metabolism parameters6 months

Baseline and after 6 months measurement of serum parathormone (PTH), alkaline phosphatases, calcium, phosphorus, and urinary calcium/creatinine ratio.

Adverse events6 months

Trial Locations

Locations (3)

Hospital de Punta Arenas

🇨🇱

Punta Arenas, Magallanes, Chile

Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

🇨🇱

Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile

Hospital Las Higueras

🇨🇱

Talcahuano, VIII Región, Chile

Hospital de Punta Arenas
🇨🇱Punta Arenas, Magallanes, Chile

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