A prospective study for vitamin D levels and its impact on prognosis of pediatric septic shock

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D enhances the anti-microbial response of monocytes, suggesting a protective role of vitamin D in infection.Objectives: The main objective of this study is to look for prognostic importance of vitamin D levels in pediatric septic shock. Method: All pediatric patients with septic shock were included in study except patients in neonatal age group (>1 month), patients with underlying co morbidities, patients who die within 2 days of onset of septic shock, patients with birth weight of <2.5 kgs and patients who took vitamin D supplements in last 15 days.Results: Among the 50 septic shock patients 24 were having deficient vitamin D levels, 12 were having insufficient and 14 were having sufficient levels. Among the deficient group 13 patient died while remaining 11 were discharged from PICU, among insufficient group 9 died while 3 were discharged from PICU, and among sufficient group 8 died and 6 were discharged from PICU, giving the P-Value of 0.469.Conclusions: Our study shows that there is very high prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in pediatric septic shock patients, however outcome in terms of mortality is not related to vitamin D deficiency.