Effects of Vitamin D Serum Level on Morbidity and Mortality in Patients with COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Yiyun Hu, Janice Kung, Andrew Cave, Hoan Linh Banh

Journal: Journal of pharmacy & pharmaceutical sciences : a publication of the Canadian Society for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Societe canadienne des sciences pharmaceutiques 2022;25():84-92

PMID: 35245430

Free Full Text on Canadian Society for Pharmaceutical Sciences View on PubMed

Plain Language Summary

COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome resulting from the excessive inflammatory response at 5-7 days. It has been shown that low Vitamin D serum concentration is associated with increased pneumonia and viral respiratory infections. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical effects of Vitamin D serum concentration in COVID-19 patients. This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of 20 studies. Results show that Vitamin D serum concentration was not statistically associated with mortality and ICU admission, ventilator support requirement, and length of hospital stay. Authors conclude that additional randomized controlled trials are required to provide a specific supplemental vitamin dose and Vitamin D serum concentration.

Abstract

PURPOSE

It has been shown that low Vitamin D serum concentration is associated with increased pneumonia and viral respiratory infections. Vitamin D is readily available, inexpensive, and easy to administer to subjects infected with COVID-19. If effective in reducing the severity of COVID-19, it could be an important and feasible therapeutic intervention.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature to determine the effects of Vitamin D serum concentration on mortality and morbidity in COVID-19 patients. The primary objectives were to determine if Vitamin D serum concentration decrease mortality, ICU admissions, ventilator support, and length of hospital stay in COVID-19 patients.

RESULTS

A total of 3572 publications were identified. Ultimately, 20 studies are included. A total of 12,806 patients aged between 42 to 81 years old were analyzed. The pooled estimated RR for mortality, ICU admission, ventilator support and length of hospital stay were 1.49 (95% CI: 1.34, 1.65), 0.87 (95% CI: 0.67, 1.14), 1.29 (95% CI: 0.79, 1.84), and 0.84 (95% CI -0.45, 2.13).

CONCLUSION

There is no statistical difference in mortality, ICU admission rate, ventilator support requirement, and length of hospital stay in COVID-19 patients with low and high Vitamin D serum concentration.

Address: The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.; John W. Scott Health Sciences Library, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.; Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.; Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.

DOI: 10.18433/jpps32590