Evaluation of the Anti-inflammatory Effect of Vitamin D in Rotavirus Infection in Iraqi Children

Abstract

Rotaviruses are a leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in newborns and young children. The fat-soluble vitamin D plays an important role in immune regulation and gut health. The current study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of vitamin D in pediatric patients with rotavirus gastroenteritis.

A prospective, non-randomized clinical study was conducted at Mohammed Baqir Al-Hakim Hospital on 60 children under 5 years of age with vitamin D deficiency and confirmed rotavirus infection. Participants were divided into two equal groups: Group I (control) received conventional rotavirus gastroenteritis treatment. In contrast, Group II received the same treatment plus a single oral dose of vitamin D of 100000 IU for ages less than 1 year and 300000 IU for ages more than 1 year. Serum vitamin D levels were measured at baseline and after 7 days. Laboratory parameters were measured on days 1, 4, and 7.

According to baseline characteristics, there were no significant differences in demographic and baseline laboratory parameters between groups I and II. Significant time-related changes in C-reactive protein (CRP)  and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) were observed in both groups (P < 0.05). In Group I (control), CRP decreased from 32.8 ± 13.15 to 27.80 ± 10.39, and LMR showed a minimal change from 3.07 (2.49–3.51) to 3.11 (2.56–3.61). In Group II (vitamin D), more pronounced improvements were noted, with CRP declining from 33 (24–36) to 12 (6–12) and LMR increasing from 2.34 (2.10–3.69) to 4.75 (4.30–5.12) (P < 0.001).

The findings indicated that vitamin D acts as an immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory agent, particularly by lowering pro-inflammatory markers in individuals with baseline deficiency or high inflammation.