Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026
Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels
Published on: August 7, 2017
Association between serum vitamin A and E status and recurrent respiratory tract infections in children: a propensity
Yuan Feng1,2, Jing Peng2, Xiaolin Cui2
1Affiliated Shenzhen Children's Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China.
Insights
Children with recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs) have lower serum vitamin A and E levels. These deficiencies are linked to RRTIs, suggesting infections may deplete essential vitamins.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Nutritional Science
- Immunology
Background:
- Recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs) and vitamin deficiencies are critical pediatric public health issues.
- The immunomodulatory roles of vitamins A and E are known, but their specific impact on pediatric RRTIs needs more research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare serum vitamin A and E levels in children with and without RRTIs in Xiangtan, China.
- To analyze the association between vitamin A and E deficiencies and RRTIs in children.
Main Methods:
- Serum vitamin A and E levels were measured in 4,782 children (3,236 with RRTIs, 1,546 controls) using HPLC.
- Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to create comparable groups based on age, gender, and season.
- Vitamin levels and deficiency rates were compared between matched RRTIs and control groups.
Main Results:
- After PSM, 1,213 children were in each group.
- Children with RRTIs had significantly lower serum vitamin A (0.225 mg/L vs. 0.328 mg/L) and vitamin E (7.93 mg/L vs. 9.18 mg/L) levels compared to controls.
- Vitamin A and E deficiency rates were substantially higher in children with RRTIs (40.73% and 31.90% marginal deficiency, 42.04% and 8.90% deficiency) versus controls (34.30% and 14.67% marginal deficiency, 4.45% and 1.15% deficiency).
Conclusions:
- Children experiencing RRTIs exhibit significantly lower serum vitamin A and E levels.
- Higher rates of vitamin A and E deficiency are observed in children with RRTIs.
- RRTIs are strongly associated with vitamin A and E deficiencies, potentially exacerbating their depletion.
Background:
Recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs) and vitamin deficiencies are significant public health concerns in pediatrics. While the immunomodulatory effects of vitamins A and E are widely recognized, their specific roles and associations with RRTIs in children require further clarification. This study aims to evaluate differences in serum levels of vitamins vitamin A and E levels between children with RRTIs and healthy controls in Xiangtan, China. It also aims to analyse the association between deficiencies in vitamins A and E during respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in children with RRTIs.
Methods:
A total of 4,782 children attending the Pediatric Department of Xiangtan Central Hospital between June 2017 and December 2020 were enrolled in the study. Of these children, 3,236 had RRTIs and 1,546 were healthy controls. Serum vitamin A and E levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). To minimize selection bias, propensity score matching (PSM) was performed at a 1:1 ratio based on age, gender, and season. The levels and deficiency rates of vitamins A and E were then compared between the matched groups, and their association with RRTIs was analyzed.
Results:
After PSM with gender, age, and season as the matching factors, the final sample size for each group was 1,213. Subsequent analysis revealed that the vitamin A levels in the RRTIs and control groups were 0.225 mg/L ± 0.087 and 0.328 mg/L ± 0.078, respectively, and the vitamin E levels were 7.93 mg/L ± 2.58 and 9.18 mg/L ± 2.55, respectively. The detection rates of serum vitamin A marginal deficiency and deficiency in the control group of healthy children were 34.30% and 4.45% respectively, and the rates of vitamin E marginal deficiency and deficiency were 14.67% and 1.15% respectively. These rates were significantly lower than those observed in the RRTIs group for both vitamin A (40.73%, 42.04%) and vitamin E (31.90%, 8.90%) (p < 0.001).
Conclusion:
Children with RRTIs exhibit significantly lower serum Vitamin A and E levels and higher deficiency rates compared to healthy group. The presence of RRTIs or RTIs is closely associated with vitamin A and E deficiencies in children, suggesting that RRTIs may exacerbate vitamin A and E depletion.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Common Respiratory Disorders
Upper respiratory disorders impact the airways above the vocal cords, encompassing areas like the nose, sinuses, and throat. Various conditions fall under this category, including the common cold and allergic rhinitis. These disorders can stem from several causes,...
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include: