Vitamin d levels and comorbidities in critically ill patients

Not many studies on serum vitamin D concentration and common comorbidities in critically ill Indian population are available. This study was aimed to evaluate the vitamin D status and associated comorbidities which may contribute in worsening the health status in critically ill population.
Methods: This was an observational study which included thirty ICU patients. Demographic profile and clinical parameters were noted. 2ml blood was collected for the laboratory estimation of vitamin D concentration. Patients were grouped into Deficient (Vitamin D level <30ng /ml) and Sufficient (Vitamin D level >30 ng /ml).
Results: Majority (86.6%) of the critically patients had a vitamin D concentration <30 ng/ml. The common comorbidities associated with critical illness were hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. An inverse relation was found between vitamin D level and comorbidities.
Conclusion: The proportion of vitamin D deficiency among critically ill Indian population was found to be very high (86.6%). Patients with vitamin D levels of < 20 ng/ml had higher comorbidities compared to patients with Vitamin D level > 20 ng/ml. In view of the increased burden of vitamin D deficiency, it is important to recognize and treat vitamin D deficiency as early as possible. Early treatment can prevent the occurrence of undesired comorbidities which may adversely affect the health status in critically ill.