COVID-19 pneumonia patients with 25(OH)D levels lower than 12 ng/ml are at increased risk of death

Link to article at PubMed

Int J Infect Dis. 2022 Jan 22:S1201-9712(22)00052-2. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.01.044. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: There is no consensus about specific serum 25(OH)D levels associated with higher risk of severe outcome in COVID-19 patients. According to the literature patients with serum 25(OH)D levels < 12 ng/ml are clearly deficient at all ages. Our aim was to assess COVID-19 mortality in the settings of severe 25(OH)D deficiency.

METHODS: A cohort study of 357 COVID-19 patients was conducted. Subjects were monitored until discharge or in-hospital death. At admission, severity parameters (CRP, IL-6, Charlson Comorbidity Index etc.) were assessed. These parameters were compared regarding 25(OH)D levels threshold 12 ng/ml, where values below 12 ng/ml were considered absolute vitamin D deficiency.

RESULTS: 25(OH)D levels at the time of admission were independently associated with mortality (p<0.05). Non-survivors (N=168) had lower 25(OH)D levels, SO2, higher age, CRP, viral load, and Charlson Comorbidity Index in comparison to survivors. Patients with serum 25(OH)D levels < 12 ng/ml had higher mortality (55% vs. 45 %), viral load (21.5 vs 23.1) and Charlson Comorbidity Index (5.3 vs 4.4) in comparison to those with serum 25(OH)D levels >12 ng/ml (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 patients with serum 25(OH)D levels < 12 ng/ml have higher mortality. Among other factors, severe vitamin D deficiency likely leads to poor outcome.

PMID:35077879 | PMC:PMC8783398 | DOI:10.1016/j.ijid.2022.01.044

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