An Observational Study on the Analysis of Vitamin D Deficiency in COVID-19 Patients With No Comorbidities: A Retrospective Analysis.

introductionVitamin D deficiency is an important problem when facing a viral disease. Vitamin D deficiency is widely prevalent in India and plays an important role in immunoregulation. The deficiency can lead to severe viral infections. AIMS AND

objectivesVitamin D deficiency should be considered an independent risk factor in assessing the severity of COVID-19 infection. This study aims to establish this link. Our study is conducted with young individuals with no comorbidities. This has been done to exclusively evaluate vitamin D deficiency as an independent risk factor.

methodsA retrospective record-based analysis was done on all patients with COVID-19 infection admitted at Max Smart Hospital, Saket, Delhi, from 1st September 2020 to 30th April 2022. Data gathering was done from 18th May 2023 to 30th May 2023. Vitamin D assay was checked as a part of routine care for all patients. The patients were divided into two groups. They consisted of vitamin D-sufficient and vitamin D-deficient patients. The primary endpoint was evaluated based on the outcomes, duration of stay, and severity of disease in these two groups.

resultsA total of 137 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. On presentation, 75.2% of patients had mild disease, 10.9% were classified as having moderate severity, and 13.9% had severe disease. The mean duration of hospital stay was 6.94±2.96 days. Vitamin D levels were normal in 31.4% (n=43) and vitamin D deficiency was noted in 68.6% (n=94) of patients. Vitamin D deficiency was reported in 64.9% (n=61, p-value=0.011) in the age group of <50 years and 35.1% (n=33, p-value=0.011) in the >50 years group. It was more frequently seen in male patients (67%, n=63, p-value=0.023) as compared to female patients (33%, n=31, p-value=0.023). Vitamin D deficiency was found in 74.5% (n=70, p-value=0.553) of patients with mild disease, 12.8% (n=12, p-value=0.553) with moderate-severity disease, and 12.8% (n=12, p-value=0.553) with severe disease. None of the patients with normal vitamin D levels required ICU admission on presentation. In the deficient group, 2.1% (n=2, p-value=0.335) of patients required ICU admission. The mean duration of hospital stay in the deficient group was 6.72±2.96 days (p-value=0.204). There was no mortality reported in this study.

conclusionOur study does show an increased incidence of moderate and severe disease in patients with vitamin D deficiency. This is in line with the evidence presented by several observational studies and meta-analyses. A specific randomized controlled trial focused on evaluating vitamin deficiency and the incidence of viral illness may be warranted to further evaluate this topic. Vitamin D deficiency is an easily correctable factor.