In controlled studies, high-dose vitamin A therapy (Hi-VAT)–with 400,000 IU vitamin A–has been demonstrated to markedly reduce measles-associated morbidity and mortality.
As compared with the group of children on standard therapy… children receiving Hi-VAT… had a shorter hospital stay… a lower requirement for intensive care… and a lower death rate.
[A] policy of high dose oral vitamin A (400,000 IU) supplementation in measles provides benefits which are equivalent to those previously observed only in controlled research trials, that it is highly cost effective, and that it should form part of the routine case management of all children hospitalized with measles.