Effects of vitamin D supplementation on the outcomes of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Study answer

What this study found

Vitamin D supplementation improved sputum conversion and several laboratory or radiographic measures, but it did not shorten time to conversion or improve mortality or adverse-event outcomes. It increased sputum smear conversion (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.39, P = 0.007) and sputum culture conversion (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.43, P = 0.02). Time to sputum smear conversion (HR 1.07, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.37, P = 0.62) and time to sputum culture conversion (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.23, P = 0.77) were not significantly different. Serum 25(OH)D, plasma calcium, lymphocyte count, and chest radiograph…

Study & population

Systematic review and meta-analysis of eight randomized trials in adults with active pulmonary tuberculosis receiving standard anti-tuberculosis therapy.

Intervention

Vitamin D supplementation, mainly as vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol, was used as adjunctive therapy to standard anti-tuberculosis treatment.

Key limitation

The included trials used heterogeneous vitamin D regimens, doses, routes, and treatment durations, which limits direct comparability.

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Original abstract