Armaghane Danesh Bimonthly Journal (Apr 2015)
The Effect(s) of Vitamin A on Persistent Wheezing after Bronchiolitis in Infants Aged 1-12 Months
Abstract
Background & aim: Viral bronchiolitis is one of the most common causeS of lower respiratory tract infection and almost responsible for 1-3% of hospitalization among children under one year of age. Post bronchiolitis wheezing is the main risk factor for childhood asthma, and its control can decrease incidence of the disease in future. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of vitamin A on persistent wheezing after bronchiolitis. Methods: The present double blind clinical trial was conducted on 84 patients aged 1 to 12 months of age who were admitted in Imam Sajad Hospital of Yasuj from October 2012 to 2013. After viral bronchiolitis diagnosis of patients with history and physical exam, they were divided into two similar groups of control and case randomly. Control group received cold and wet nebulized oxygen and bronchodilator and case group received the same protocol together with 5000 IU/kg Vitamin A intramascularlly. Both groups were examined by the same physician before, one and two weeks after treatment and quality and severity of wheezing was recorded. Data were analyzed by statistical student T – test and chi square test. Results: Intensity and quality of wheezing was similar in both groups before the intervention(85/0 = p=0.858) whereas a significant reduction was observed in the severity of wheezing in the group receiving vitamin A compared with the control group (05/0> p<0.05). Conclusion: A significant decrease was observed in persistent wheezing after intramascular administration of a dose of vitamin A in patients requiring hospitalization due to viral bronchiolitis. Administrating one dose vitamin A intramuscularly in patients who need hospitalization due to bronchiolitis, may decrease post bronchiolitis and persistent wheezing.
