Is vitamin D deficiency associated with mortality in intensive care patients? an observational retrospective study

Abstract

Aim: The objective of this study is to investigate effects of vitamin D levels in intensive care patients on length of stay in intensive care unit and duration of hospitalization, and the need for mechanical ventilation. Material and Methods: This study was conducted as a retrospective study between February 2015 and January 2016. Length of stay in the intensive care unit and duration of hospitalization, and the need for mechanical ventilation were compared among all patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit and whose 25 (OH) D levels were examined. We further investigated whether vitamin D levels have an effect on 30-day mortality. Results: A total of 155 patients were included in the study. Vitamin D deficiency was found in 123 (79%) patients, and vitamin D insufficiency in 21 (13%) patients, while vitamin D levels were evaluated as normal in the remaining 11 (7%) patients. The effects of 25(OH)D levels of the patients on the length of stay in the intensive care unit (P=0.302), duration of hospitalization (P=0.363), and the need for mechanical ventilation (P=0.150) were not statistically significant. No statistically significant difference was observed between the mortality rates according to vitamin D levels (P=0.377). Conclusion: We found that 25 (OH) D vitamin levels were significantly low in intensive care patients. Although it is difficult to achieve a clear result because of a wide range of comorbidities in intensive care unit patients, we believe that further prospective randomized studies are warranted to clarify this issue.