The association between serum vitamin D deficiency and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disease characterized by irreversible airway obstruction and impaired pulmonary function. Acute exacerbation is responsible for the majority of COPD mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum Vitamin D deficiency and COPD exacerbation. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 80 COPD patients who were hospitalized for severe acute exacerbation in Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad, Iran, in 2016–2017. Subjects were excluded if they were taking corticosteroid, calcium, phosphorus, or Vitamin D supplements. Immunocompromised patients and cases with underlying cardiovascular, liver, or renal diseases, metabolic syndrome, cancers, electrolyte imbalance, and any diseases related to Vitamin D metabolism and absorption were also excluded. A blood sample of 3 ml was taken from each participant to measure 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) level, up to 24 h after hospitalization. The severity of the disease was assessed by forced expiratory volume in 1 s obtained from spirometry tests, and hypoxemia level using O2 saturation. Results: The lower levels of mean serum 25OHD were significantly associated with the increased number of exacerbations (P = 0.01). Hypoxemia levels and the mean serum 25OHD level were found to have a significant association as well (P = 0.01). However, no significant relationship was observed between the mean serum 25OHD level and the duration of hospitalization (P = 0.1). Conclusions: Serum Vitamin D deficiency was associated with increased COPD exacerbation and poor clinical outcomes. Therefore, Vitamin D supplementation should be considered to reduce the risk of COPD exacerbation.

Keywords

• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• exacerbation
• hypoxemia
• vitamin d