Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Studies have established a link between vitamin D deficiency and susceptibility to and severity of COVID-19. Our study aims to evaluate the role of vitamin D supplementation in intensive care units (ICU) in patients with COVID-19.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients admitted to ICU in a large tertiary centre. Data on serum vitamin D concentration and supplementation, mortality, hospital and ICU stay, electrolyte replacement and organ support days was analysed using chi-square, Mann-Whitney and Spearman rank coefficient tests where appropriate.

Results: There was no association between vitamin D deficient patients and mortality (26.4% vs 25.9% P = 0.934). Patients that received vitamin D supplementation during their admission had a lower mortality than those who did not (19% vs 30% respectively, P = 0.032), however there was no difference in mortality in those that had vitamin D replaced within 4 days from admission and those that did not (28% vs 26% P = 0.469). Patients who received supplementation within 4 days had a shorter ICU stay (2.85 vs 4.7 days, P = 0.004) and hospital stay (13 vs 16.05 days, P = 0.028). There was a moderate positive correlation between the time between admission and vitamin D supplementation and length of ICU and hospital stay (r_s = 0.581 and r_s = 0.561 respectively). Those given vitamin D within 4 days were less likely to require IV phosphate infusions (18.8% vs 31.3% P = 0.043, RRR=12.46%) and advanced respiratory support (29.0% vs 45.5% P = 0.014, RRR=36.3%).

Discussion: Our findings suggest that early replacement of vitamin D in critically ill patients with COVID-19 may reduce hospital and ICU stay, and reduce the requirement for more advanced management. This was a single centre, retrospective study with notable implications for the role of vitamin D supplementation. To further clarify this role prospective studies are needed.