Vitamin A Status in Measles Patients of District Abbottabad

Abstract

Objective: This study was carried out to assess the vitamin A supplementation status inpediatric measles patients.

Study Design:Analytical study

Place andDuration of Study: This study was conducted at Pediatric Department of Women and Children Hospital, Abboatabd from January 2014 to December 2014.

Materials and Methods: Detailed history and physical examination of 200 patients was recorded in a proforma. Vitamin A supplementation and vaccination status were recorded along with demographic profile.

Results: 103 (51.5%) were males and 97 (48.5%) were females. Majority of these patients (55.5%) were residents of rural area of Abbottabad district. 77% of the children were low weight. The mean age of the children was 37±9 months. Out of 173 patients who were eligible for vaccination, only 34.5 % of the patients were vaccinated for measles, and 47% of the eligible patients did not receive measles booster dose. 79% of the patients did not receive vitamin A supplementation in the last 6 months. Conjunctivitis (86%) and oral ulcers (73.5%) were the most common complications.. Other complications included pneumonia (25.5%), diarrhea (19.5%), congestive cardiac failure (1%), epistaxis (1%), otitis media (0.5).

Conclusion: Majority of the patients did not receive vitamin A supplementation. The most common complication were conjunctivitis and oral ulcers, which can be associated with vitamin  A deficiency during measles.