Evaluation of vitamin D levels in COVID-19 patients referred to Labafinejad hospital in Tehran and its relationship with disease severity and mortality

Abstract

Background and aims: Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) first appeared in China in late 2019 which was rapidly spread worldwide. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, it is crucial to determine the prognostic factors contributing to the development of severe disease and higher mortality. Herein we aimed to evaluate the correlation between the severity and prognosis of patients with COVID 19 with serum 25(OH)D levels. Method: This descriptive retrospective study was performed from March to April 2020 at a referral center for patients with COVID-19, Tehran, Iran. The data collection was performed by a checklist consisting of the demographic features and laboratory assessments consisted of serum 25(OH)D were evaluated and recorded. And investigate the relationship between serum 25(OH)D and clinical outcomes of patients. Result: 205 patients with a mean age of 59.71 years were enrolled. Our findings did not reveal a significant difference in mean levels of vitamin between improved (34.09) and deceased patients (34.54). However, in patients with severe disease, there was a considerable difference in levels of vitamin D in improved and deceased patients (P.value: 0.021). According to our results, the mortality rate was slightly higher in men (odds ratio:2.2). Furthermore, the mean age (64.20 vs. 58.51) and the presence of at least two comorbidities (odds ratio: 2.40) were significantly higher in deceased patients. Conclusion:In this study, we did not reveal a statistical difference in mean levels of vitamin D and the outcome of patients with COVID-19. We concluded that in patients with severe disease, vitamin D deficiency could affect the course of the disease and mortality, especially in comorbidity and older people.

Body weight, vitamin D and zinc: A review of associations with coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

“…An ecologic study used proximity to the equator as deceased). An overall difference in vitamin D levels was not identified; however, among individuals with severe COVID-19, vitamin D levels were lower among those who died than among those who ultimately recovered[38]. In a large retrospective study in the US, vitamin D levels ascertained prior to COVID-19 testing did not differ between white individuals who tested positive or negative for COVID 19; however, among Black participants, those with vitamin D levels < 40 ng/mL were at increased risk of a positive COVID-19 test[39].Another retrospective study conducted in individuals enrolled in a New York City Health System and positive for COVID-19 found that vitamin D deficiency, defined as levels < 20 ng/mL, increased the risk of needing oxygen support therapy, but not for hospitalization or death[40].prior to the ascertainment of COVID-19 status.…”

“…Tehrani S et al [38] Retrospective study: patients who died from COVID had lower vitamin D levels than those who survived.…”

Immunomodulatory Role of Nutrients: How Can Pulmonary Dysfunctions Improve?

“…Perhaps the most prominent vitamin in this context is vitamin D. Many studies have already identified that there is a high incidence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection ( 220 – 223 ). In addition, these studies have also shown a relationship between the level of vitamin D deficiency and the severity of COVID-19.…”

“…In addition, these studies have also shown a relationship between the level of vitamin D deficiency and the severity of COVID-19. There have been many hypotheses suggested for this relationship, since the anti-inflammatory capacity of vitamin D ( 223 ) is very important in a pathology characterized by a proinflammatory cytokine storm ( 224 ) that worsens the patient's clinical condition until the possibility of affecting the need for oxygen-support therapy in patients with COVID-19 ( 222 ). This deficiency is also related to the risk of mortality from the disease ( 221 ).…”

Vitamin D in infectious complications in critically ill patients with or without COVID-19

“…Lower vitamin D levels were associated with SARS-CoV2 infection and mortality in the Indian population [ 79 ], and among Asian countries [ 80 ]. In a Tehran referral hospital, vitamin D levels were not associated with mortality, however the authors concluded that in severe COVID-19, vitamin D deficiency seemed to affect the course of the disease and mortality, especially in comorbid and older patients [ 81 ]. In a Mendelian randomization study, evidence supporting an association between 25(OH)D levels and COVID-19 susceptibility, severity, or hospitalization was not observed [ 82 ].…”