Abstract: It is known that vitamin D has been found to decrease incidence of viral respiratory infections, as well as have effects on multiple cytokines involved in immunomodulation and the bradykinin/renin-angiotensin system. Recently, data was released showing a correlation between baseline vitamin D deficiency status and increased risk of contracting COVID-19. Separate analysis shows that many of the deleterious effects of COVID-19 may be due to the bradykinin/RAS system, and that vitamin D is one plausible treatment option to modulate these effects. Studies are currently ongoing to determine if vitamin D supplementation of those hospitalized with COVID-19 has a beneficial effect on patient outcomes.~Objective: To determine if those hospitalized with COVID-19 with baseline vitamin D deficiency, have worse outcomes during their stay than those who are not vitamin D deficient at baseline.~Design, Setting, and Participants: This is a retrospective cohort study at an urban academic medical center which included patients with a 25-hydroxycholecalciferol level measured within one year before being tested for COVID-19 and hospitalized from March 9th to September 7th, 2020.~Exposures: Vitamin D deficiency was defined by the last measurement of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol less than 20 ng/mL before COVID testing (within one year).~Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcomes investigated include length of stay, need for supplemental oxygen, ICU admission, need for invasive life support (mechanical ventilation, vasopressors, dialysis), and discharge status (discharged alive vs. death).
It is known that vitamin D has been found to decrease incidence of viral respiratory infections, as well as have effects on multiple cytokines involved in immunomodulation and the bradykinin/renin-angiotensin system.~Recently, data was released showing a correlation between baseline vitamin D deficiency status and increased risk of contracting COVID-19.~Separate analysis shows that many of the deleterious effects of COVID-19 may be due to the bradykinin/RAS system, and that vitamin D is one plausible treatment option to modulate these effects.~Studies are currently ongoing to determine if vitamin D supplementation of those hospitalized with COVID-19 has a beneficial effect on patient outcomes.~Healthcare resources have been strained during the pandemic in areas of heavy caseload. It is possible that those with concurrent vitamin D deficiency and COVID positivity have an increased need for escalation of care. A small study has been conducted in this area, but was limited by small number of subjects.