Effects of a single dose of vitamin D in septic children: a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of a single dose of vitamin D on 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels and clinical outcomes in children with vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and sepsis. METHODS: In this randomized, controlled trial, eligible children with VDD and sepsis were assigned to receive one dose of 150,000 IU of cholecalciferol or placebo. Serum concentrations of 25OHD, angiotensin-II (Ang-II), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were assessed at baseline and 8 days after treatment. The cardiovascular Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (cv-SOFA) score, septic shock incidence, duration of ventilation, and mortality were also examined. RESULTS: One hundred nine participants fulfilled the study requirements. The two groups had comparable baseline characteristics. Ang-II, IL-6, and TNF-α concentrations were all reduced after vitamin D supplementation. Furthermore, the cv-SOFA score (1.76 ± 0.8 vs. 2.3 ± 1.1) and incidence of septic shock (7% vs. 20%) were lower in the treatment group than in the control group. The duration of ventilation and mortality rates did not differ between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: A single dose of vitamin D improved 25OHD levels and the incidence of septic shock in children with VDD and sepsis.