Abstract

Introduction: Meta-analysis of various studies has shown association of vitamin-D3 status with prevention, morbidity and mortality associated with respirator-tract infection. Morbidity and mortality associated with Covid-19 infection is mainly because of respiratory-tract involvement. Therefore, this study was planned to evaluate vitamin-D3 status and its clinical significance in hospitalised cases of Covid-19. Methods: This study was conducted in the department of medicine, S.P. Medical College and AGH, Bikaneron hospitalized, RT-PCR confirmed cases of Covid-19 (study group). They were compared with normal healthy subjects living in the same vicinity with history of contact with covid-19 positive patients (control group). All patients were treated as per ICMR guidelines and followed up during hospital stay. Results: Our study shows mean vitamin-D3 was significantly low in study group (16.16±7.15ng/ml) as compared to control group (34.00 ±6.30ng/ml; p<0.0001). Hypovitaminosis D was present in 94.4% of the cases. The level of vitamin D3 was found to be correlated significantly with severity of covid-19 (Mean vitamin- D317.03±7.03ng/ml in mild, 18.70±6.61ng/ml in moderate and 11.22±6.05ng/ mlin severe cases; p<0.03), comorbidities (12.42±5.74ng/ml vs 16.84±7.37ng/ml; p<0.01), requirement for mechanical ventilation (12.07±5.53ng/mlvs16.53±7.15ng/ ml; p<0.003), hospital stay (17.99±6.89ng/ml in ≤7 days, 15.74±7.03ng/ml in 8-15 days, 15.81±5.45ng/ml in >15 days; p<0.006) and poor outcome (11.22±6.05ng/ mlvs 16.24± 7.06ng/ml; p<0.002). Vitamin-D3 status was also significantly correlated with CRP-titre (p<0.04), LDH (p<0.001), Trop-I (p<0.02) and Pro-BNP level (p<0.03). Conclusion: Our study shows vitamin-D3 may have preventive role in covid-19 infection. Hypovitaminosis-D is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Further studies are required to evaluate the benefit of vitamin-D3 supplementation in such cases.

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