Vitamin D Deficiency and Severe Dengue Fever: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Am J Trop Med HygJul 2, 2026 (epub)
Chuchun Zhuang, Xinxiaodi Yan, Yufeng Liang et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and severe dengue fever across six studies involving 1,130 participants. The analysis found a pooled odds ratio of 1.77 for severe dengue associated with vitamin D deficiency, with a significant association in children (OR: 51.20).
Key findings
- Pooled odds ratio for severe dengue with vitamin D deficiency was 1.77 (95% CI: 0.75-4.16, P = 0.194).
- In children, the odds ratio for severe dengue associated with vitamin D deficiency was 51.20 (95% CI: 3.12-842.95).
- Excluding an outlier resulted in a significant fixed-effect OR of 1.67 (95% CI: 1.04-2.67, P = 0.034).
Why it matters
Understanding the potential link between vitamin D deficiency and severe dengue could inform clinical assessments and highlight the need for monitoring vitamin D levels in at-risk populations, particularly children.