Oral Vitamin A Supplementation for Prevention of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Preterm Infants

Overview

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains a major complication of very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants. Vitamin A is essential for lung development and epithelial integrity, and deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of BPD. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of prophylactic oral high-dose vitamin A supplementation on the incidence of BPD in preterm infants with a gestational age ≤32 weeks and birth weight \<1250 g. In this randomized controlled trial, preterm infants were assigned to receive either oral vitamin A supplementation or standard care. The primary outcome was the development of BPD. Secondary outcomes included mortality and other neonatal morbidities. The findings of this study may provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of oral vitamin A supplementation as a simple and accessible strategy to reduce the risk of BPD in preterm infants.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease commonly observed in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Vitamin A plays a critical role in lung growth, epithelial differentiation, and repair processes. Previous studies have suggested that vitamin A supplementation may reduce the incidence of BPD, although the optimal route and regimen remain uncertain. This study was designed as a randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of oral high-dose vitamin A supplementation in preventing BPD in preterm infants. Infants with a gestational age of ≤32 weeks and birth weight \<1250 g were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive either prophylactic oral vitamin A supplementation or standard neonatal care. The primary outcome was the incidence of BPD, defined according to standard clinical criteria. Secondary outcomes included mortality, duration of respiratory support, and other neonatal complications. The results of this study may contribute to the existing evidence on vitamin A supplementation and support the development of accessible and non-invasive preventive strategies for BPD in preterm infants.