Vitamin A supplementation for prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in very low birth weight infants

Background: Vitamin A maintains the integrity of epithelial cells of the respiratory tract and is an essential element for normal lung growth. The aim was to assess the effectiveness of vitamin A supplementation in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants to prevent development of bronhopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study to determine the effectiveness of vitamin A in preventing complications of prematurity in VLBW infants. Vitamin A was delivered intramuscularly at a dose of 5000 IU, three times weekly during the first 28 days of life. Results:Of the 142 eligible VLBW infants, 60 VLBW infants received the vitamin supplement. We observed a significant difference between the groups in the duration of oxygen therapy or in the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Serum vitamin A levels were significantly raised in those who were supplemented.Conclusions:Given the significant difference in development of BPD, days of oxygen therapy and days of ventilation, it is advisable to use Vitamin A supplementation in VLBW babies.