Vitamin A status and therapy in childhood pulmonary tuberculosis

J Pediatr. 1997 Dec;131(6):925-7. doi: 10.1016/s0022-3476(97)70046-5.

Abstract

Low plasma vitamin A levels (mean, 18.1 +/- 10.3 micrograms/dl, 62% below normal) were demonstrated in South African children with pulmonary tuberculosis. More extensive or severe disease (e.g., additional extrapulmonary tuberculosis) and low levels of retinol binding protein, prealbumin, and albumin were associated with low vitamin A levels. High-dose vitamin A therapy had no effect on disease outcome.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Prospective Studies
  • Regression Analysis
  • South Africa
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / blood
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / therapy*
  • Vitamin A / blood
  • Vitamin A / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Vitamin A