Effects of a single dose of vitamin D in septic children: a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial

Abstract

Objective To assess the effects of a single dose of vitamin D on 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels and clinical outcomes in children with vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and sepsis. Methods In this randomized, controlled trial, eligible children with VDD and sepsis were assigned to receive one dose of 150,000 IU of cholecalciferol or placebo. Serum concentrations of 25OHD, angiotensin-II (Ang-II), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were assessed at baseline and 8 days after treatment. The cardiovascular Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (cv-SOFA) score, septic shock incidence, duration of ventilation, and mortality were also examined. Results One hundred nine participants fulfilled the study requirements. The two groups had comparable baseline characteristics. Ang-II, IL-6, and TNF-α concentrations were all reduced after vitamin D supplementation. Furthermore, the cv-SOFA score (1.76 ± 0.8 vs. 2.3 ± 1.1) and incidence of septic shock (7% vs. 20%) were lower in the treatment group than in the control group. The duration of ventilation and mortality rates did not differ between two groups. Conclusions A single dose of vitamin D improved 25OHD levels and the incidence of septic shock in children with VDD and sepsis.