Effect of Vitamin-D Supplementation on Recurrence of Acute Otitis Media in Pre-School Children

Background: Acute Otitis media (AOM) and its recurrence is a prevalent health problem among pre-school children. Different strategies to prevent recurrent have been established with questionable efficacy. Vitamin D is suspected as a possible preventable risk factor.  Aim of the work:To evaluate the effect of vitamin-D supplementation on recurrence rate of acute otitis media among Pre-school children. Patients and Methods:60 pre-school children with a recurrent episode of acute otitis media [by history and otoscopic examination] were included. After diagnosis, all children received standard treatment and after recovery, serum levels of vitamin-D were estimated; those with reduced vitamin D had been included, then divided into: Study group (30 children, received oral vitamin-D supplementation for 4 months; and Control group (30 children; received placebo). New attacks of AOM had been document during the regular visits for the six months. Vitamin D had been re-estimated after 6 months. Results: Both groups were comparable regarding studied variables at the start. Upper respiratory tract infection and ear discharge significantly decreased; vitamin D significantly increased among study group at 6 months. Recurrent AOM after 6 months, had been significantly reduced among study vs control group (1.43±0.62 vs 3.46±0.62 respectively). Also, vitamin-D significantly increased at the end in study vs control group (21.76±5.95 vs 14.53±4.73 ng/ml respectively). The mean percentage of increase of vitamin-D in study group was 135.98% compared to 33.91%. In control group. Conclusion: Vitamin D supplementation to children with a history of rAOM plays a significant role in reduction of attack frequency.