Role of vitamin d in the management of covid-19 patients regarding morbidity and mortality

Khan, A. W.; Hussain, H. T.; Mustafa, Z. U.; Qamar, M. A.; Aleem-Ud-Din, M.; Riaz, U.

Aim: To determine the role of vitamin D in the management of COVID-19 patients regarding morbidity and mortality. Study Design: Prospective/Observational Place and Duration: Departments of Medicine & Pulmonology, Allama Iqbal Memorial Teaching Hospital, Sialkot and Department of Medicine, Sughra Shafi Medical Complex Narowal from 1st November 2020 to 30th April 2020. Methodology: One hundred and sixty patients of both genders diagnosed to have COVID-19, were enrolled. Patient s ages were ranging from 17 to 70 years. The detailed demographics such as age, sex, and body mass index were recorded. 5 ml blood samples were taken from all the patients to check their vitamin D levels. Severe Vitamin D deficiency was defined as 25(OH)D <25 nmol/L (10 ng/dl). Association between mortality and morbidity was examined. Results: Ninety (56.25%) were males while 70 (43.75%) were females with mean age 40.15±17.37 years. Mean body mass index of patients was 24.16±7.26 kg/m2. Severe vitamin D deficiency was observed in 80 (50%) patients. Mortality found in 30 (18.75%) patients. Frequency of morbidity was among 66 (41.25%) patients. Patients with severe vitamin D deficiency had high rate of mortality 20 (25%) and morbidity 50 (62.5%) as compared to patients with no vitamin D deficiency had 10 (8%) mortality and 16 (20%) morbidity. A significant association was observed between severe vitamin D deficiency regarding morbidity and mortality among patients with covid-19 disease with p-value <0.05. Conclusion: The vitamin-D has strongest relationship among patients with covid-19 disease to reduce mortality and morbidity.