Vitamin d3 and its association with covid-19 disease severity: a prospective study

Abstract

Vitamin d3 and its association with COVID-19 disease severity: a prospective study

Background: Vitamin D3 has shown immunomodulatory properties influencing cell signalling pathways in chronic respiratory disorders. There is limited evidence concerning the role of Vitamin D3 and its influence on the COVID-19 disease severity. This study aims to determine the association between Vitamin D3 levels and disease severity and possible outcomes.

Methods: This prospective study included 80 hospitalised RT-PCR positive patients. Patients were stratified into two groups based on oxygen saturation (<90% and >90%) at admission. Vitamin D3 was stratified as deficient (<12 ng/ml), insufficient(12-20 ng/ml) and sufficient (>20 ng/ml).

Results: A total of 80 patients were included, 40 at room air (median age, 50; 62.5%male) and 40 on oxygen support (median age, 57; 65.8% male). Vitamin D3 deficiency was found in 22 (55%) patients on oxygen as compared to only 6 (15%) patients on room air (p<0.001). The mean vitamin D3 levels for patients on oxygen was significantly lower as compared to patients at room air (14.78 ± 10.33, 26.49 ± 19.06, respectively; p= 0.0009). Adverse outcome reported was more in vitamin D3 deficient patients (25% vs 11.3%). Mean Vitamin D3 among patients who died was less (14.3±9.90) as compared to those who survived (21.7±16.9), but not statistically significant (p= 0.18).

Conclusion: Vitamin D3 deficiency showed significant association with COVID disease severity. Being one of the modifiable risk factors, early identification and corrective measure could alleviate a severe course of illness.