scholarly journals Vitamin D and COVID-19: evidence and recommendations for supplementation

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 201912
Author(s):  
George Griffin ◽  
Martin Hewison ◽  
Julian Hopkin ◽  
Rose Kenny ◽  
Richard Quinton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
Lung Damage ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
Immune Health ◽  
The Uk

Vitamin D is a hormone that acts on many genes expressed by immune cells. Evidence linking vitamin D deficiency with COVID-19 severity is circumstantial but considerable—links with ethnicity, obesity, institutionalization; latitude and ultraviolet exposure; increased lung damage in experimental models; associations with COVID-19 severity in hospitalized patients. Vitamin D deficiency is common but readily preventable by supplementation that is very safe and cheap. A target blood level of at least 50 nmol l −1 , as indicated by the US National Academy of Medicine and by the European Food Safety Authority, is supported by evidence. This would require supplementation with 800 IU/day (not 400 IU/day as currently recommended in UK) to bring most people up to target. Randomized placebo-controlled trials of vitamin D in the community are unlikely to complete until spring 2021—although we note the positive results from Spain of a randomized trial of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3 or calcifediol) in hospitalized patients. We urge UK and other governments to recommend vitamin D supplementation at 800–1000 IU/day for all, making it clear that this is to help optimize immune health and not solely for bone and muscle health. This should be mandated for prescription in care homes, prisons and other institutions where people are likely to have been indoors for much of the summer. Adults likely to be deficient should consider taking a higher dose, e.g. 4000 IU/day for the first four weeks before reducing to 800 IU–1000 IU/day. People admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 should have their vitamin D status checked and/or supplemented and consideration should be given to testing high-dose calcifediol in the RECOVERY trial. We feel this should be pursued with great urgency. Vitamin D levels in the UK will be falling from October onwards as we head into winter. There seems nothing to lose and potentially much to gain.

scholarly journals Vitamin D and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

2019 ◽  
Vol 104 (9) ◽  
pp. 4033-4050 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas F Hiemstra ◽  
Kenneth Lim ◽  
Ravi Thadhani ◽  
JoAnn E Manson
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
General Population ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Randomized Trials ◽  
Cardiovascular Health ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Vitamin D Levels

Abstract Context A large body of experimental and observational data has implicated vitamin D deficiency in the development of cardiovascular disease. However, evidence to support routine vitamin D supplementation to prevent or treat cardiovascular disease is lacking. Design and Results A comprehensive literature review was performed using PubMed and other literature search engines. Mounting epidemiological evidence and data from Mendelian randomization studies support a link between vitamin D deficiency and adverse cardiovascular health outcomes, but randomized trial evidence to support vitamin D supplementation is sparse. Current public health guidelines restrict vitamin D intake recommendations to the maintenance of bone health and prevention of fractures. Two recently published large trials (VITAL and ViDA) that assessed the role of moderate- to high-dose vitamin D supplementation as primary prevention for cardiovascular outcomes in the general population had null results, and previous randomized trials have also been generally negative. These findings from general population cohorts that are largely replete in vitamin D may not be applicable to chronic kidney disease (CKD) populations, in which the use of active (1α-hydroxylated) vitamin D compounds is prevalent, or to other high-risk populations. Additionally, recent trials in the CKD population, as well as trials using vitamin D analogs, have been limited. Conclusions Current randomized trials of vitamin D supplementation do not support benefits for cardiovascular health, but the evidence remains inconclusive. Additional randomized trials assessing larger numbers of participants with low baseline vitamin D levels, having longer follow-up periods, and testing higher vitamin D dosages are needed to guide clinical practice.

SEASONAL VARIATION IN VITAMIN D STATUS AMONG FRAIL OLDER HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS

2018 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
M. POURHASSAN ◽  
R. WIRTH
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Seasonal Variation ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Seasonal Variations ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
Sufficient Vitamin

Background and objectives: Seasonal variation in 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels is the result of sunlight dependent skin synthesis of vitamin D. However, its presence is not studied in frail older hospitalized patients. We sought to investigate whether seasonal variation in 25(OH)D levels is evident among these patients. Design and setting: This study investigated older participants who were consecutively admitted between February 2015 and December 2016 to the geriatric acute care ward. Results of routine measurements of 25(OH)D at hospital admission were retrospectively analyzed and stratified according to months and seasons. Previous intake of vitamin D supplementation was derived from the patients’ medical records. Results: The study group comprised 679 participants (mean age 82.1±8.2; 457 females), of which 78% had vitamin D deficiency. Older individuals not taking vitamin D supplements had a lower mean serum 25(OH)D than those receiving supplements. Of those patients with no vitamin D supplementation, 87.0% were vitamin D deficient and only 5% showing sufficient vitamin 25(OH)D. Further, there were neither monthly nor seasonal variations in vitamin 25(OH)D levels among these patients and their vitamin D levels stayed far below the recommended threshold of 20 ng/ml across the seasons. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency was very prevalent in the subgroup of older hospitalized patients without vitamin D supplementation, irrespective of season. Since no seasonal variations in mean 25(OH)D levels was observed, sunlight dependent skin synthesis is unlikely to contribute to vitamin D status in these patients. Supplementation seems to be necessary to maintain desirable vitamin D levels among this population throughout the year.

scholarly journals Vitamin D and critical illness: what endocrinology can learn from intensive care and vice versa

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. R304-R315 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Amrein ◽  
A Papinutti ◽  
E Mathew ◽  
G Vila ◽  
D Parekh
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Critical Illness ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
The United States ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Vitamin D Levels

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in intensive care units ranges typically between 40 and 70%. There are many reasons for being or becoming deficient in the ICU. Hepatic, parathyroid and renal dysfunction additionally increases the risk for developing vitamin D deficiency. Moreover, therapeutic interventions like fluid resuscitation, dialysis, surgery, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, cardiopulmonary bypass and plasma exchange may significantly reduce vitamin D levels. Many observational studies have consistently shown an association between low vitamin D levels and poor clinical outcomes in critically ill adults and children, including excess mortality and morbidity such as acute kidney injury, acute respiratory failure, duration of mechanical ventilation and sepsis. It is biologically plausible that vitamin D deficiency is an important and modifiable contributor to poor prognosis during and after critical illness. Although vitamin D supplementation is inexpensive, simple and has an excellent safety profile, testing for and treating vitamin D deficiency is currently not routinely performed. Overall, less than 800 patients have been included in RCTs worldwide, but the available data suggest that high-dose vitamin D supplementation could be beneficial. Two large RCTs in Europe and the United States, together aiming to recruit >5000 patients, have started in 2017, and will greatly improve our knowledge in this field. This review aims to summarize current knowledge in this interdisciplinary topic and give an outlook on its highly dynamic future.

667 A Retrospective Review of Vitamin D Levels and Dosing in Burn Center Patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S178-S179
Author(s):  
Sara Calder ◽  
Asia N Quan ◽  
Suzanne Osborn ◽  
Virginia Nisbet ◽  
Karen J Richey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Total Body Surface Area ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Burn Patients ◽  
Burn Center ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Vitamin D Levels

Abstract Introduction The potential consequences of vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency (I/D) in critically ill patients include: increased ICU length of stay, organ dysfunction, infectious complications, and mortality. Burn patients, in particular, may be at increased risk of vitamin D I/D due to bleeding, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, increased utilization of vitamin D by injured tissues, compromised vascular integrity, fluid shifts, and leakage of vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) and albumin. The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence of vitamin D I/D and evaluate the institutional vitamin D dosing regimen. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed on all adult patients from January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2019 who received cholecalciferol and had at least one 25-hydroxy vitamin D level during their hospitalization. Vitamin D level was drawn on admission, then weekly thereafter. Patients found to be I/D were initiated on high dose vitamin D supplementation and then adjusted based on the weekly levels. The therapeutic goal for vitamin D supplementation was set at 50 ng/ml. Results Three hundred and sixteen patients met criteria for review. Of those patients, 293 patients (93%) were vitamin D I/D. The magnitude of vitamin D deficiency was strongly negatively correlated with increasing % total body surface area (TBSA) burn size (p< 0.001). Mean time to reach therapeutic vitamin D levels following initiation of supplementation was 19 days, requiring an average of 116,125 units cholecalciferol weekly. Time to reach therapeutic levels was also positively correlated with increasing burn size (p< 0.05). Many patients, however, were discharged prior to reaching therapeutic levels. Conclusions Vitamin D I/D is present in over 90% of burn center patients and the degree of I/D was profound. Additionally, vitamin D I/D was not easily corrected, taking almost 3 weeks to reach therapeutic levels using an aggressive supplementation regimen. Further studies documenting the consequences of vitamin D I/D and development of evidence-based supplementation dosing regimens are warranted. Applicability of Research to Practice This study documents common and severe vitamin D deficiency in burn patients, and difficulty in correcting this deficiency.

scholarly journals Supplementation with High Doses of Vitamin D to Subjects without Vitamin D Deficiency May Have Negative Effects: Pooled Data from Four Intervention Trials in Tromsø

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rolf Jorde ◽  
Moira Strand Hutchinson ◽  
Marie Kjærgaard ◽  
Monica Sneve ◽  
Guri Grimnes
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Serum Lipids ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Hs Crp

Data were pooled from four randomized clinical trials with vitamin D performed in Tromsø with weight reduction, insulin sensitivity, bone density, and depression scores as endpoints. Serum lipids, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and high sensitivity C-Reactive Protein, (HS-CRP) were measured at baseline and after 6–12 months of supplementation with vitamin D 20 000 IU–40 000 IU per week versus placebo. A total of 928 subjects who completed the interventions were included. At baseline the mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level in those given vitamin D was 55.9 (20.9) nmol/L and the mean increase was 82.4 (40.1) nmol/L. Compared with the placebo group there was in the vitamin D group at the end of the studies a slight, but significant, increase in HbA1c of 0.04%, an increase in HS-CRP of 0.07 mg/L in those with serum 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L, and in those with low baseline HDL-C and serum 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L a slight decrease serum HDL-C of 0.08 mmol/L (P<0.05). No serious side-effects were seen. In conclusion, in subjects without vitamin D deficiency, there is no improvement in serum lipids, HbA1c, or HS-CRP with high dose vitamin D supplementation. If anything, the effect is negative.

scholarly journals To Supplement or not to Supplement? The Rationale of Vitamin D Supplementation in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 226-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandra Nerviani ◽  
Daniele Mauro ◽  
Michele Gilio ◽  
Rosa Daniela Grembiale ◽  
Myles J. Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
Vitamin D Receptors ◽  
Vitamin D Levels

Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterised by abnormal activation of the immune system, chronic inflammation and organ damage. Lupus patients are more prone to be vitamin D deficient. However, current evidence is not conclusive with regards to the role played by vitamin D in SLE development, progression, and clinical manifestations. Objective: Here, we will summarise the current knowledge about vitamin D deficiency prevalence, risk factors, molecular effects, and potential pathogenic role in SLE. We will focus on the link between vitamin D deficiency and lupus clinical manifestations, and on the clinical trials assessing the effects of vitamin D supplementation in SLE. Method: A detailed literature search was performed exploiting the available databases, using “vitamin D and lupus/SLE” as keywords. The relevant interventional trials published over the last decade have been considered and the results are reported here. Conclusion: Several immune cells express vitamin D receptors. Thus, an immunomodulatory role for vitamin D in lupus is plausible. Numerous observational studies have investigated the relationship between vitamin D levels and clinical/serological manifestations of SLE with contrasting results. Negative correlations between vitamin D levels and disease activity, fatigue, renal and cardiovascular disease, and anti-dsDNA titres have been described but not conclusively accepted. In experimental models of lupus, vitamin D supplementation can improve the disease. Interventional trials have assessed the potential therapeutic value of vitamin D in SLE, but further larger studies are needed.

VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTATION IN FEMALE NURSES: THE EFFECTS ON SERUM 25-HYDROXYVITAMIN D, AND NON-SPECIFIC MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN

2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (02) ◽  
pp. 1550008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Negin Masoudi Alavi ◽  
Mahla Madani ◽  
Mohsen Taghizadeh ◽  
Mohammad Reza Sharif
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Musculoskeletal Pain ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Single High Dose ◽  
Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
Before And After ◽  
25 Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
Female Nurses

Purpose: To investigate the effect of weekly single high dose vitamin D supplementation on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], and non-specific musculoskeletal pain in female nurses. Methods: In this prospective study in Kashan/Iran, from April 1, 2014, through September 30, 2014, the 150 nurses with vitamin D deficiency received the weekly pearls of 50,000 units of vitamin D3 for 10 weeks. The serum level of 25(OH)D was measured before and after supplement therapy. The subjects were also asked to complete the Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. All analyses were conducted with SPSS version 16. Results: After 10 weeks of intervention there was [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]ng/mL increase in 25(OH)D. The 82 nurses (54.7%) had 25(OH)D in normal range, while the 68 nurses (45.3%) were still vitamin D deficient. Weight could explain 15.4% increase in 25(OH)D. Before intervention 135 (90%), of nurses reported musculoskeletal pain in at least one region, after intervention this number decreased to 72.7%. There was a statistically significant improvement in musculoskeletal pain in neck, shoulders, upper back, lower back, hips/tights, knees, and ankles/feet after intervention. Conclusions: The weekly single high dose of vitamin D for 10 weeks could resolve vitamin D deficiency in about half of the patients. Patients with non-specific musculoskeletal pain might benefit from vitamin D supplementation.

scholarly journals P652 Underweight patients with Crohn’s disease and without vitamin D supplementation are at high risk of vitamin D deficiency

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S536-S537
Author(s):  
D Vranesic Bender ◽  
V Domislović ◽  
M Brinar ◽  
D Ljubas Kelečić ◽  
I Karas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Crohn’S Disease ◽  
Crohn's Disease ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Lower Range ◽  
Total Study Population ◽  
Vitamin D Levels ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Underweight Patients

Abstract Background Vitamin D deficiency is frequently present in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with a higher incidence in Crohn’s disease (CD) than in ulcerative colitis (UC). Given the involvement of the alimentary tract, many factors can contribute to vitamin D deficiency. The aim of the study was to investigate the association of vitamin D deficiency according to body mass index (BMI) in adult patients with IBD. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on a cohort of 152 IBD patients, 68.1% (n = 104) CD and 31.9% (n = 48) UC. The mean age of the total study population was 37.3±11.8 years and 57.3% (n = 87) were male. All patients were adult, Caucasian and without vitamin D supplementation. Patients were recruited during one year period. Results Out of all IBD patients, 60.5% (n = 92) had vitamin D deficiency, 32.2%, (n = 49) insufficiency and 7.2% (n = 11) sufficiency. According to BMI categories there were 12.5% (n = 19) obese patients, 27.6% (n = 42) overweight, 51.3% (n = 78) with normal body weight, and 8.6% (n = 13) underweight. There was a significant difference in vitamin D levels according to different BMI categories in terms of underweight patients having the lowest vitamin D levels; underweight 29.84±11.94 mmol/l, normal 46 ± 20.7 mmol/l, overweight 48±20.1 mmol/l, obese 51±15.3 mmol/l. In addition, there was a significant correlation of vitamin D levels and BMI values (Rho = 0.212, 95% CI 0.069–0.345, p = 0.004), which was more clearly observed in the lower range of BMI values (Figure 1). Male underweight patients had lower levels of vitamin D compared with female patients (26.6 ± 9 vs. 34.7 ± 5.6, p &lt; 0.05). Both patients with CD and UC had significant positive correlation of vitamin D levels and BMI values (UC Rho=0.40, 95% CI 0.16–0.59, p = 0.001, UC Rho = 0.27, 95% CI 0.01–0.05, p = 0.044). However, when comparing vitamin D levels according to phenotype, a significant difference in vitamin D levels was observed in underweight CD (28.4 ± 11.1) comparing to underweight UC patients (40.6 ± 10.6), p &lt; 0.05. In logistic regression analysis, CD phenotype was risk factor for vitamin D deficiency (OR 2.18 95% CI 1.01–4.72, β = 1.22, p = 0.04). Conclusion Our results on untreated IBD patients show a high proportion of vitamin D deficiency both in CD and UC, and significant correlation of vitamin D levels and BMI values, especially in the lower range of BMI values. Moreover, underweight CD patients have lower vitamin D levels comparing to UC. This suggests the need for regular vitamin D monitoring and supplementation especially in IBD patients at risk.

P06 A study to assess the effectiveness of vitamin d supplementation in paediatric cystic fibrosis patients

2018 ◽  
Vol 103 (2) ◽  
pp. e1.9-e1
Author(s):  
Christiansen Nanna ◽  
Ashraf Saleha
Keyword(s):  
Cystic Fibrosis ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Dose Range ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
High Dose ◽  
List Type ◽  
Current Guideline ◽  
Paediatric Patients ◽  
Significant Difference

AimsPatients with cystic fibrosis (CF) require supplementation of fat-soluble vitamins due to the effects of the disease on the pancreas and the resulting inability of absorb fat effectively.1The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of current of vitamin D supplementation to achieve adequate serum Vitamin D (25OHD) levels in paediatric CF patients.2 Secondly, this study assessed the effectiveness of ‘Stoss’ therapy (a high dose vitamin D therapy administered every three months) as an alternative to daily vitamin D supplementation for patients with known poor compliance.3MethodsVitamin D doses and serum 25OHD levels between January and December 2016 were reviewed for paediatric CF patients at a UK centre. Data was collected for 138 paediatric patients. The ‘clinical record summary’ system was used to extract the data which included age, hospital number, weight in 2015 and 2016, 25OHD levels from 2015 and 2016, vitamin D dose before each level and pancreatic status.Data was entered onto Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) system for analysis. A paired T-test was conducted to ascertain if there was a significant difference in weekly/kg doses between patients that were sufficient (25OHD>50 nmol/L) and insufficient (25OHD<50 nmol/L).ResultsData was collected for a total of 138 patients. The data from only 70 patients was analysed when investigating the first objective, as all other patients did not have 25OHD levels available for both 2015 and 2016. A further five patients wereexcluded and analysed seperately due to receiving Stoss therapy. The weekly Vitamin D dose range was very wide for both years with 43% (n=40) of patients requiring additional vitamin D in addition to Aquadeks (CF multivitamin preparation). There was no significant difference in Vitamin D doses between patients with sufficient and insufficient 25OHD levels. This was thecase for both 2015 (p=0.432) and 2016 (p=0.192). The daily supplementation doses were successful at maintaining vitamin D sufficiency for 83% of patients in 2015 and 93% in 2016.Out of the 5 patients who received ‘Stoss’ therapy, 3 had an increase in 25OHD levels. However, only one of the patients had a significant increase leading to sufficient 25OHD levels. In 2 cases there was actually a 60%–68% decrease in 25OHD levels, which lead to these patients developing vitamin D deficiency.ConclusionThis study was useful in determining the effectiveness of current Vitamin D dosing. The results suggest that patients having insufficient 25OHD levels may not be due to an inadequacy of doses provided in the current guideline, as there was no significant difference in dose between patients with sufficient and insufficient 25OHD levels. Given the patient group, the difference could be attributable to a lack of compliance to daily therapies in the patients with insufficient 25OHD levels or even differences in individual responses to therapy.In this sample, ‘Stoss’ therapy is not effective in maintaining sufficient 25OHD levels. Although the data for this part of the study was very limited, it identifies a need to investigate the effectiveness of ‘Stoss’ therapy further.ReferencesFerguson JH, Chang AB. Vitamin D supplementation for cystic fibrosis. Cochrane Database of Syst Rev [Internet] 2014. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/ & doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007298.pub3/pdf [Available: 2017April 12].Green D, Carson K, Leonard A, et al. Current treatment recommendations for correcting vitamin D deficiency in paediatric patients with cystic fibrosis is inadequate. J Pediatr2008;4:554–559.Shepherd D, Belessis Y, Katz, et al. Single high-dose oral vitamin D3 (stoss) therapy: A solution to vitamin D deficiency in children with cystic fibrosis?J Cyst Fibros2013;2:177–182.

scholarly journals Vitamin D status and 3-month Glasgow Outcome Scale scores in patients in neurocritical care: prospective analysis of 497 patients

2018 ◽  
Vol 128 (6) ◽  
pp. 1635-1641 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian Guan ◽  
Michael Karsy ◽  
Andrea A. Brock ◽  
Ilyas M. Eli ◽  
Gabrielle M. Manton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Glasgow Outcome Scale ◽  
Neurocritical Care ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Hypovitaminosis D ◽  
Simplified Acute Physiology Score ◽  
Vitamin D Supplementation ◽  
Vitamin D Levels

OBJECTIVEVitamin D deficiency has been associated with a variety of negative outcomes in critically ill patients, but little focused study on the effects of hypovitaminosis D has been performed in the neurocritical care population. In this study, the authors examined the effect of vitamin D deficiency on 3-month outcomes after discharge from a neurocritical care unit (NCCU).METHODSThe authors prospectively analyzed 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels in patients admitted to the NCCU of a quaternary care center over a 6-month period. Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores were used to evaluate their 3-month outcome, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the effects of vitamin D deficiency.RESULTSFour hundred ninety-seven patients met the inclusion criteria. In the binomial logistic regression model, patients without vitamin D deficiency (> 20 ng/dl) were significantly more likely to have a 3-month GOS score of 4 or 5 than those who were vitamin D deficient (OR 1.768 [95% CI 1.095–2.852]). Patients with a higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS II) (OR 0.925 [95% CI 0.910–0.940]) and those admitted for stroke (OR 0.409 [95% CI 0.209–0.803]) or those with an “other” diagnosis (OR 0.409 [95% CI 0.217–0.772]) were significantly more likely to have a 3-month GOS score of 3 or less.CONCLUSIONSVitamin D deficiency is associated with worse 3-month postdischarge GOS scores in patients admitted to an NCCU. Additional study is needed to determine the role of vitamin D supplementation in the NCCU population.

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