Supplemental vitamin D can reduce the risk and mortality of viral pneumonia. The relationship between 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and the severity and mortality of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was evaluated. In this cross-sectional study, the admitted patients with COVID-19 were categorized as mild, moderate, severe, and critical based on clinical and radiologic characteristics. Calcium, phosphorus, albumin, creatinine, and serum 25(OH)D were measured and their correlation with the severity of disease and mortality were analyzed. During 2 months, 508 patients (442 patients in general wards and 66 patients in the intensive care unit (ICU)) were included. The participants were 56 ± 17 years old (52% male, 37% with comorbidity). Concerning severity, 13%, 42%, 36%, and 9% had mild, moderate, severe, and critical diseases, respectively. The mortality rate was 10.8%. Admission to ICU, severity of disease and mortality decreased significantly across quartiles of 25(OH)D. According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, disease mortality had a positive correlation with age and had a negative correlation with the serum level of 25(OH)D, calcium, and albumin. In hospitalized patients with COVID-19, low 25(OH)D was associated with severe disease and increased ICU admission and mortality rate.

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic disease. Experiments with influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) have shown supplemental vitamin D can reduce the risk of infection and death.AimThis study was performed to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D levels and the severity and outcome of admitted patients with COVID-19.Material and MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed on COVID-19 cases diagnosed by examining RT-PCR assay for SARS-CoV-2 or a set of symptoms and typical findings in lung CT scan. Based on clinical and radiologic characteristics, the patients were categorized as mild, moderate, severe, and critical. Calcium, phosphorus, albumin, creatinine, and serum 25 hydroxy vitamin D were measured and their correlation with the severity and outcome were analyzed.ResultsFrom May 1 to June 31, 2020, 508 patients ((442 patients in general wards and 66 patients in intensive care unit (ICU)) were included in this study. The participants were 56±17 years old (mean ±SD) (range from 14 to 95 years) and 52% were male. According to the past medical history, 190 (37.4%) of them had comorbidity. Concerning severity, 13.2%, 42.3%, 35.4%, and 9.1% had the mild, moderate, severe, and critical disease, respectively. The in-hospital mortality rate was 10.8%. In the multivariate regression analysis, age had a positive correlation and use of vitamin D supplement, serum level of 25 OH vitamin D, calcium, and albumin had a negative correlation with disease severity and admission to ICU. Poor outcome was inversely related to serum levels of vitamin D, calcium, albumin, and renal function. Vitamin D deficiency increased the rate of ICU admission by 2.7 times (95%CI=1.288-5.91, P=0.009).ConclusionIn patients who are hospitalized due to COVID-19, low 25-hydroxyvitamin D, hypocalcemia, and hypoalbuminemia are associated with severe disease, ICU admission, and an increase in mortality.