Serum vitamin A levels in children with bronchiolitis due to respiratory syncytial virus infection

Aim: The aim of the present study was to examine the association between respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and serum vitamin A levels in children with bronchiolitis. Material and Method: The study group consisted of 40 patients with bronchiolitis The control group consisted of 20 healthy children. Vitamin A, RSV IgM, and RSV IgG levels were measured in both groups. Results: No significant difference was detected between both groups in terms of vitamin A, RSV IgM, and RSV IgG levels. Conclusions: No relationship was detected between RSV infection and decrease of serum vitamin A levels in the present study. Little is known about frequency of vitamin A deficiency in Turkey. Large scale studies detecting the frequency of vitamin A deficiency are needed for establishing preventive national health pollicies.