COMPARISON OF ORAL VERSUS INTRAMUSCULAR VITAMIN D THERAPY FOR CHILDREN WITH VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY

Abstract

Objective:

To compare oral vitamin D therapy and intramuscular vitamin D therapy in terms of mean increase in vitamin D levels in children with vitamin D deficiency.

Material and Methods:

In this randomized controlled trial, a total of 220 patients with diagnosed vitamin D deficiency were included. Patients were then randomized to one of two groups via block randomization (the allocation was done through Manila envelopes): Group A received oral vitamin D therapy, while Group B received intramuscular vitamin D therapy. All patient were tested for serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase and serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D levels at baseline i.e., before administration of treatment. Patients were followed up at three-, six- and twelve-weeks post-initiation of therapy and tested for serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase and serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D levels at these intervals.

Results:

The mean age was 6.52 ± 1.95 years in Group A and 6.54 ± 1.97 years in Group B (p = 0.93). The gender distribution was also similar, with males comprising 57.7% (75/130) in Group A and 56.9% (74/130) in Group B (p = 0.9). Over the course of the study, Group A consistently exhibited a greater mean increase in serum vitamin D levels compared to Group B at all follow-up intervals. At three weeks, the mean increase in vitamin D levels was 3.15 ± 1.17 ng/mL in Group A, significantly higher than the 1.61 ± 0.28 ng/mL observed in Group B (p < 0.0001). At six weeks, Group A’s mean increase rose to 10.82 ± 2.12 ng/mL, while Group B’s mean increase was 7.83 ± 1.41 ng/mL (p < 0.0001). By twelve weeks, the mean increase reached 16.0 ± 2.99 ng/mL in Group A compared to 10.9 ± 3.17 ng/mL in Group B (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

Oral vitamin D is superior to intramuscular therapy in treating vitamin D deficiency in children.