From the Guidelines
Vitamin A supplementation is crucial for children with measles, as it significantly reduces mortality, prevents eye damage, and shortens the duration and severity of the disease, as evident from the studies 1. The relationship between Vitamin A and measles is well-established, with Vitamin A playing a vital role in supporting the immune system, maintaining epithelial tissue integrity, and reducing inflammation.
Key Points
- Vitamin A deficiency is a significant risk factor for severe measles, and supplementation can benefit children with the disease, even in well-nourished populations 1.
- The standard regimen for Vitamin A supplementation in children with measles is 200,000 IU for those 12 months and older, and 100,000 IU for infants under 12 months, with a second dose given the following day for children with complicated measles 1.
- Vitamin A supplementation has been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality in various infectious diseases, including measles, diarrhea, and malaria, highlighting its importance in maintaining immune function 1.
- While the exact mechanism of Vitamin A in reducing measles severity is not fully understood, it is believed to involve the maintenance of epithelial tissue integrity and the reduction of inflammation, both of which are critical in preventing complications and promoting recovery 1.
Clinical Considerations
- Healthcare providers should prioritize Vitamin A supplementation for children with measles, particularly in areas where Vitamin A deficiency is prevalent or for children at high risk of complications.
- The treatment should be administered alongside standard supportive care for measles, and healthcare providers should be aware of potential side effects, such as temporary headache, nausea, or vomiting, although these are generally minimal.
- Ensuring adequate Vitamin A supplementation is essential for maximizing the immune system's response to measles and preventing long-term complications, as highlighted in the studies 1.
From the Research
Relationship Between Vitamin A and Measles
The relationship between Vitamin A and measles is well-documented in various studies. Key findings include:
- Vitamin A deficiency is a recognized risk factor for severe measles infections 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Administration of Vitamin A can reduce mortality and complications resulting from measles, particularly in children under the age of two years 2, 3, 4, 5
- Two doses of 200,000 IU of Vitamin A given on consecutive days can reduce the risk of mortality and pneumonia-specific mortality in children with measles 2, 3, 4
- Vitamin A supplementation can also reduce the incidence of croup and duration of diarrhea in children with measles 2, 3, 5
- The mechanism of action of Vitamin A in measles is thought to be related to its immunomodulating properties, which can boost immune responses and reduce the risk of infection and complications 6
Benefits of Vitamin A Supplementation
The benefits of Vitamin A supplementation in children with measles include:
- Reduced risk of mortality and pneumonia-specific mortality 2, 3, 4, 5
- Reduced incidence of croup and duration of diarrhea 2, 3, 5
- Faster recovery from pneumonia and diarrhea 5
- Reduced risk of major complications during hospital stay 5
Recommendations
Based on the available evidence, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends administration of an oral dose of 200,000 IU of Vitamin A per day for two days to children with measles in areas where Vitamin A deficiency may be present 2, 3. This recommendation is supported by the findings of various studies, which demonstrate the benefits of Vitamin A supplementation in reducing mortality and complications resulting from measles.