Efficacy of Zinc in the Treatment of Pneumonia

Efficacy of Zinc in the Treatment of Pneumonia in Hospitalized Children Less Than 2 Years of Age

This study is designed to evaluate the efficacy of zinc supplementation in the treatment of children under the age of two years who have been hospitalized with severe pneumonia.

This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted between September 2003 and August 2004 at the Christian Medical College (CMC) Hospital in Vellore, India. CMC Hospital is a large teaching hospital and medical center that is accessed directly by the population of Vellore and adjoining districts and by referrals from local medical practitioners.

Inclusion Criteria:

• children under two years old hospitalized with Pneumonia

Exclusion Criteria:

• healthy children