Relationship between COVID-19 clinical severity and serum 25(OH)D levels

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and clinical course and outcome of Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Materials and Methods: In this single-center, prospective study, patients with COVID-19 were divided into three groups with uncomplicated disease, mild pneumonia, and severe pneumonia. Cases were compared in terms of clinical and laboratory findings as well as serum 25(OH)D levels on hospital admission. Patients were also grouped according to their COVID-19-related outcomes and then compared in terms of 25(OH)D levels. Results: The median serum 25(OH)D levels of the COVID-19 and control groups were 16 (11-23) ng/ml and 21.5 (18-25) ng/ml, respectively (p<0.001). No significant differences were found in the serum 25(OH)D levels between noncomplicated, mild pneumonia, and severe pneumonia groups 16.5 (16-25.2), 15 (11-21), and 16 (11.5-26.5) ng/ml, respectively, p=0.521. When compared in terms of COVID-19-related outcomes, no significant difference was found in vitamin D levels. Conclusion: Patients with vitamin D deficiency may have higher risk for COVID-19 infections. However, no relationship was found between serum vitamin D levels and clinical severity and outcomes of COVID-19.