Adjuvant Zinc Therapy Promotes Early Restoration of Hypoxia in Hospitalized Children with Pneumonia

Background: Pneumonia is still one of the primary causes of child mortality and morbidity in poor countries. Supplementation with zinc is beneficial in the treatment and prevention of pediatric pneumonia. Objective: To observe whether the zinc therapy promotes early restoration of hypoxia in hospitalized children with pneumonia Study Design: This randomized double blind controlled trial was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute (BSHI), Dhaka during the period from 1st July 2023 to 15th June 2024. Methodology: A total 140 patients with severe pneumonia in hospitalized children fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled by systematic random sampling. Group allocation of Group-A and Group-B was done by lottery method each consisting 70 patients. Identical small packet that contained 10 mg zinc sulphate powder or 10 mg placebo powder were coded as A and B by guide. Results: Time for normalization of SPO2 in placebo group and zinc group were 32.17±15.83 hours and 23.91±11.48 hours respectively. Time for normalization of SPO2 was significantly longer in placebo group than that of zinc group (p=0.001). Outcome of treatment was improved and discharged home in all cases of both groups. No death in any group. Conclusion: Supplementation of zinc as adjuvant therapy in children with pneumonia significantly improves hypoxia.