Vitamin D Deficiency Among Hospitalized Children with Community-Acquired Pneumonia: Prevalence and Association with Disease Severity

Background

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains an important cause of pediatric hospitalization and severe respiratory illness. Vitamin D has recognized roles in skeletal health and immune regulation, but its relationship with pneumonia severity in children remains uncertain. This study evaluated serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D status in hospitalized children with CAP and explored its association with disease severity and clinical outcomes.