Correlation of vitamin D deficiency with mortality in critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D, which is a fat-soluble vitamin, plays a key role in enhancing the intestinal absorption of calcium, magnesium and phosphate. In severely ill patients, vitamin D can adversely affect immune and metabolic functions, contributing to poorer outcomes. The aim of this study was to correlate vitamin D with mortality in critically ill patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: prospective observational study was conducted, involving 162 patients in an intensive care unit (ICU). 162 patients were divided into two groups according to vitamin D Deficiency Group levels ≤ 20 ng/ml and Non vitamin D deficiency group levels 20ng/ml. Data collected during the study included the APACHE II (acute physiology and chronic health evaluation) score at ICU admission, SOFA (sequential organ failure assessment) scores throughout the ICU stay, the need for mechanical ventilation, inotropic support, length of stay in ICU, and ICU outcomes, which were classified as either discharge or mortality. RESULTS: Of the 162 patient admitted to ICU, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in this study was 140 (86.4%) and nondeficient 22 (13.6%). The mortality rate in the vitamin D deficient group was 40% compared to 18.18% in the nondeficient group. The difference in mortality in both groups for mortality was statistically significant (p-value < 0.05). Vitamin D deficiency was not associated as an independent risk factor for ICU mortality [Odds ratio (OR) 1.220, 95% CI (0.825- 1.805) (p-value -0.320)]. CONCLUSIONS: The vitamin D-deficient group had a significantly higher mortality rate compared to the patient in the nondeficient group. But vitamin D deficiency was not found to be an independent risk factor for mortality.

Keywords

• intensive care unit
• mortality
• vitamin d