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Case study: the lower the vitamin D level, the greater the risk of death from COVID 19
A case study by Indonesian researchers at the RSUD Kabupaten Sukamara Clinic, Kec. Sukamara, Kabupaten Sukamara and Kalimantan Tengah reviewed the data and courses of a total of 780 COVID-19 patients who had to be treated in a clinic due to a severe course of the disease. In addition to other factors, they also analyzed the vitamin D level of hospitalized patients. Low vitamin D level was found to be associated with an increased risk of death in the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Researchers from around the world are focusing on existing therapeutics.
Scientists around the world are looking for effective treatment methods to curb the pandemic of the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes COVID-19 disease. No effective vaccine has been found so far. Around the world, drugs are being sought that can ease the course of the disease. Research is mainly focused on existing therapeutic agents.
The case study examined 780 clinical COVID-19 patients
In their case study, medical professionals in Indonesia also examined the question of whether low vitamin D levels could be associated with increased mortality. They examined patient data from 780 COVID-19 patients who were treated at four clinics.
In the study, the researchers recorded various aspects such as age, sex, previous illnesses, vitamin D status, and course of illness in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. “The goal was to determine mortality patterns and related factors,” the researchers write. However, the patient’s vitamin D status was in the foreground.
The lower the vitamin D level, the greater the risk of death
After evaluating the data, the researchers were able to observe that, in particular, male patients who had pre-existing conditions and were older had a higher overall risk of dying. About half (49.7%) of the cases showed normal vitamin D status and only 4 percent of these patients died. Just over a quarter (27%) had insufficient vitamin D levels and most of them (88%) died. Just under a quarter (23%) had a medical vitamin D deficiency, and almost all (99%) died. The researchers named a value of more than 30 ng / ml as the standard for a “normal” vitamin level.
More studies are needed.
“With increasing age, past illness, and male gender, the risk of death is strongly associated with low vitamin D levels,” the researchers conclude. However, more studies are needed to investigate whether vitamin D supplementation in COVID-19 actually reduces the risk of death. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms would have to be closely examined.
Also read: Vitamin D deficiency: causes, symptoms and treatment.
Sources:
- Prabowo Raharusuna, Sadiah Priambada, Cahni Budiarti, Erdie Agung, Cipta Budi: Patterns of mortality and vitamin D of COVID-19: an Indonesian study, SSRN
Important note:
This article contains general information only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. It cannot replace a visit to the doctor.
