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Ashoor TM, Abd Elazim AEH, Mustafa ZAE, Anwar MA, Gad IA, Mamdouh Esmat I. Outcomes of High-Dose Versus Low-Dose Vitamin D on Prognosis of Sepsis Requiring Mechanical Ventilation: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Intensive Care Med 2024:8850666241250319. [PMID: 38706151 DOI: 10.1177/08850666241250319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Background: Critically ill patients with sepsis have a high incidence of vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D promotes the synthesis of human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, a precursor of LL-37, which is a part of the innate immune system. This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of the early administration of high-dose enteral vitamin D3 in comparison with low-dose vitamin D3 in patients with sepsis requiring mechanical ventilation (MV). Methods: Eighty adult patients with sepsis requiring MV with known vitamin D deficiency were randomly assigned to receive either an enteral 50 000 IU (Group I) or 5000 IU (Group II) vitamin D supplementation. Clinical and laboratory parameters were evaluated at baseline and on days 4 and 7 between the study groups. The change in serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels on day 7 was the primary outcome, while the change in serum LL-37 levels on day 7, changes in sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, and clinical pulmonary infection score on day 7, MV duration, and hospital length of stay (LOS) were the secondary outcomes. Results: The (day 7-day 0) change in serum PCT and LL-37 levels and SOFA score were significantly different in Group I (P = .010, P < .001, and P < .001, respectively). The SOFA score was significantly different on days 4 and 7 in Group I (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively). The incidence of early ventilator-associated pneumonia was significantly different between both treatment groups (P = .025). The hospital LOS was shorter in Group I (P < .001). No 25-hydroxyvitamin-D toxicity was observed in either group. Conclusions: Early enteral administration of high-dose vitamin D3 in critically ill patients with sepsis requiring MV along with standard treatment for sepsis decreased serum procalcitonin levels, increased serum LL-37 levels, and ameliorated illness severity scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarek Mohamed Ashoor
- Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Management, Faculty of Medicine, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Zakaria Abd Elaziz Mustafa
- Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Management, Faculty of Medicine, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Maha Ahmad Anwar
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ihab Ahmad Gad
- Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Management, Faculty of Medicine, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim Mamdouh Esmat
- Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Management, Faculty of Medicine, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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Cameron LK, Ledwaba-Chapman L, Voong K, Hampson G, Forni LG, Seylanova N, Harrington DJ, Lim R, Bociek A, Yanzhong W, Ostermann M. Vitamin D metabolism in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury: a prospective observational study. Crit Care 2024; 28:108. [PMID: 38566240 PMCID: PMC10988948 DOI: 10.1186/s13054-024-04869-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitamin D deficiency in critically ill patients is associated with poor outcomes, and vitamin D supplementation is recommended for patients with chronic kidney disease. Whether acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with altered Vitamin D metabolism is unknown. We aimed to compare the longitudinal profiles of serum 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D concentrations in critically ill patients with and without moderate to severe AKI and explore the impact of renal recovery and parathyroid hormone (PTH). METHODS In this prospective, observational study in two centres in the UK, critically ill patients with and without AKI underwent serial measurement of serum 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D and plasma PTH concentrations for 5 days. Linear mixed model analysis and sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS Serial data of 137 patients were analysed. Seventy-one patients had AKI stage II/III of whom 23 recovered kidney function during the 5-day study period; 66 patients did not have AKI at enrolment of whom 14 developed new AKI. On day of enrolment, patients' serum 25(OH)D concentrations were low (median 18 nmol/L) but there was no significant difference between patients with and without AKI. Median serum 1,25(OH)2D levels were significantly lower in patients with AKI II/III (41 pmol/L [IQR 26, 58]) compared to similarly unwell patients without AKI (54 pmol/L [IQR 33, 69]) during the 5-day period. Recovery of kidney function in patients with AKI was associated with a rise in 1,25(OH)2D concentrations. Plasma PTH results were impacted by serum calcium and magnesium levels but not associated with 1,25(OH)2D levels. CONCLUSIONS Critically ill patients with moderate-to-severe AKI have significantly lower serum 1,25(OH)2D concentrations than similarly sick patients without AKI but there was no difference in serum 25(OH)D concentrations. Recovery of AKI was associated with a rise in serum 1,25(OH)2D concentrations. More research is needed to investigate the health benefits and safety of supplementation with active vitamin D in critically ill patients with moderate-to-severe AKI. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02869919), registered on 16 May 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynda K Cameron
- Department of Critical Care, King's College London, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, SE1 7EH, UK
- Pharmacy Department, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Cancer and Pharmacy, King's College London, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Lesedi Ledwaba-Chapman
- Department of Population Health Sciences, King's College London, Addison House, Guy's Campus, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Kieran Voong
- Nutristasis Unit, Synnovis, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Geeta Hampson
- Department of Chemical Pathology and Metabolic Medicine, St Thomas' Hospital, Lambeth Palace Road, London, SE1 7EH, UK
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Metabolic Bone Clinic, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
| | - Lui G Forni
- Department of Critical Care, Royal Surrey Foundation Trust, Guildford, Surrey, UK
- School of Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK
| | - Nina Seylanova
- Department of Critical Care, King's College London, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Dominic J Harrington
- Nutristasis Unit, Synnovis, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Rosario Lim
- Department of Critical Care, King's College London, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Aneta Bociek
- Department of Critical Care, King's College London, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Wang Yanzhong
- Department of Population Health Sciences, King's College London, Addison House, Guy's Campus, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Marlies Ostermann
- Department of Critical Care, King's College London, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, SE1 7EH, UK.
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Rachman A, Rahmaniyah R, Khomeini A, Iriani A. The association between vitamin D deficiency and the clinical outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. F1000Res 2024; 12:394. [PMID: 38434628 PMCID: PMC10905025 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.132214.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Vitamin D deficiency is an emerging public health problem that affects more than one billion people worldwide. Vitamin D has been shown to be effective in preventing and reducing the severity of viral respiratory diseases, including influenza. However, the role of vitamin D in COVID-19 infection remains controversial. This study aimed to analyze the association of vitamin D deficiency on the clinical outcome of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted among hospitalized COVID-19 patients at two COVID-19 referral hospitals in Indonesia from October 2021 until February 2022. Results The median serum 25(OH)D level in 191 hospitalized COVID-19 patients was 13.6 [IQR=10.98] ng/mL. The serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower among COVID-19 patients with vitamin D deficiency who had cardiovascular disease (p-value=0.04), the use of a ventilator (p-value=0.004), more severe COVID-19 cases (p-value=0.047), and mortality (p-value=0.002). Furthermore, serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly different between patients with mild and severe COVID-19 cases (p-value=0.019). Serum 25(OH)D levels in moderate and severe COVID-19 cases were significantly different (p-value=0.031). Lower serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly associated with an increased number of comorbidities (p-value=0.03), the severity of COVID-19 (p-value=0.002), and the use of mechanical ventilation (p-value=0.032). Mortality was found in 7.3% of patients with deficient vitamin D levels. However, patients with either sufficient or insufficient vitamin D levels did not develop mortality. Conclusions COVID-19 patients with vitamin D deficiency were significantly associated with having cardiovascular disease, mortality, more severe COVID-19 cases, and the used of mechanical ventilation. Lower serum 25(OH)D levels were associated with an increased number of comorbidities, COVID-19 severity, and the use of mechanical-ventilation. Thus, we suggest hospitalized COVID-19 patients to reach a sufficient vitamin D status to improve the clinical outcome of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andhika Rachman
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National Referral Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Centra Jakarta, DKI Jakarta, 10430, Indonesia
| | - Rizky Rahmaniyah
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Central Jakarta, DKI Jakarta, 10430, Indonesia
| | - Andi Khomeini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Central Jakarta, DKI Jakarta, 10430, Indonesia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wisma Atlet COVID-19 Emergency Hospital, North Jakarta, DKI Jakarta, 14360, Indonesia
| | - Anggraini Iriani
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Yarsi University, Central Jakarta, DKI Jakarta, 10510, Indonesia
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Patel A, Caruana EJ, Hodson J, Morrison R, Khor B, Gysling S, Trevis J, Mangel T, Benson R, Zakeri R, Manders J, Vaja R, Rogers L, Baker P, Pournaras DJ, Thickett D, Hewison M, Naidu B, Lim E. Role of vitamin D supplementation in modifying outcomes after surgery: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e073431. [PMID: 38233048 PMCID: PMC10806719 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is increasing evidence to suggest vitamin D plays a role in immune and vascular function; hence, it may be of biological and clinical relevance for patients undergoing major surgery. With a greater number of randomised studies being conducted evaluating the impact of vitamin D supplementation on surgical patients, it is an opportune time to conduct further analysis of the impact of vitamin D on surgical outcomes. METHODS MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Trials Register were interrogated up to December 2023 to identify randomised controlled trials of vitamin D supplementation in surgery. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. A narrative synthesis was conducted for all studies. The primary outcome assessed was overall postoperative survival. RESULTS We screened 4883 unique studies, assessed 236 full-text articles and included 14 articles in the qualitative synthesis, comprising 1982 patients. The included studies were highly heterogeneous with respect to patient conditions, ranging from open heart surgery to cancer operations to orthopaedic conditions, and also with respect to the timing and equivalent daily dose of vitamin D supplementation (range: 0.5-7500 mcg; 20-300 000 IU). No studies reported significant differences in overall survival or postoperative mortality with vitamin D supplementation. There was also no clear evidence of benefit with respect to overall or intensive care unit length of stay. DISCUSSION Numerous studies have reported the benefits of vitamin D supplementation in different surgical settings without any consistency. However, this systematic review found no clear evidence of benefit, which warrants the supposition that a single biological effect of vitamin D supplementation does not exist. The observed improvement in outcomes in low vitamin D groups has not been convincingly proven beyond chance findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42021232067.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshay Patel
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Edward J Caruana
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK
| | - James Hodson
- Research Development and Innovation, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Rory Morrison
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, South Tees NHS Foundation Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Bo Khor
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, University Hospitals Birmingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Savannah Gysling
- Department of Academic Colorectal Surgery, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Jason Trevis
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesborough, UK
| | - Tobin Mangel
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Bart's Heart Centre, London, UK
| | - Ruth Benson
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Roxanna Zakeri
- Department of Upper GI, Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery, North Bristol NHS Trust, Westbury on Trym, UK
| | - Jennifer Manders
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ricky Vaja
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences Surgery, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Luke Rogers
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospitals Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Paul Baker
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, South Tees NHS Foundation Trust, Nottingham, UK
- University of Teeside, Middlesborough, UK
| | - Dimitri J Pournaras
- Department of Upper GI, Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery, North Bristol NHS Trust, Westbury on Trym, UK
| | - David Thickett
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Martin Hewison
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Babu Naidu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Eric Lim
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
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Nagaria TD, Shinde RK, Shukla S, Acharya S, Acharya N, Jogdand SD. The Sunlight-Vitamin D Connection: Implications for Patient Outcomes in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. Cureus 2023; 15:e46819. [PMID: 37954702 PMCID: PMC10636290 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
This review delves into the intricate relationship between Vitamin D and patient outcomes in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU). Vitamin D, known for its multifaceted roles in immune modulation, inflammation regulation, and maintenance of calcium homeostasis, emerges as a pivotal factor in the care of critically ill patients. Our exploration reveals a high prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in the SICU, primarily attributable to limited sunlight exposure, comorbidities, and medication use. Importantly, Vitamin D status impacts infection rates, mortality, and length of stay in the SICU, making it a clinically relevant consideration. Mechanistic insights into the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of Vitamin D shed light on its potential benefits in critical care. However, challenges, including accurate assessment, individualised supplementation, and ethical considerations regarding sunlight exposure, are evident. The prospect of personalised Vitamin D supplementation strategies offers promise for optimising patient care. In conclusion, the Sunlight-Vitamin D Connection holds significant potential to improve outcomes in the SICU, emphasising the importance of further research and tailored approaches for the well-being of critically ill individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapesh D Nagaria
- General Surgery, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Raju K Shinde
- General Surgery, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Samarth Shukla
- Pathology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Sourya Acharya
- Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Neema Acharya
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Sangita D Jogdand
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
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Shah K, Varna VP, Sharma U, Mavalankar D. Does vitamin D supplementation reduce COVID-19 severity?: a systematic review. QJM 2022; 115:665-672. [PMID: 35166850 PMCID: PMC9383458 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcac040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The evidence regarding the efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in reducing severity of COVID-19 is still insufficient. This is partially due to the lack of primary robust trial-based data and heterogeneous study designs. AIM This evidence summary, aims to study the effect of vitamin D supplementation on morbidity and mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.Design: Evidence summary of systematic reviews. METHODS For this study, systematic reviews and meta-analysis published from December 2019 to January 2022 presenting the impact of vitamin D supplementation on COVID-19 severity were screened and selected from PubMed and Google scholar. After initial screening, 10 eligible reviews were identified and quality of included reviews were assessed using AMSTAR and GRADE tools and overlapping among the primary studies used were also assessed. RESULTS The number of primary studies included in the systematic reviews ranged from 3 to 13. Meta-analysis of seven systematic reviews showed strong evidence that vitamin D supplementation reduces the risk of mortality (Odds ratio: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.346-0.664; P < 0.001) in COVID patients. It was also observed that supplementation reduces the need for intensive care (Odds ratio: 0.35; 95%CI: 0.28-0.44; P < 0.001) and mechanical ventilation (Odds ratio: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.411-0.708; P < 0.001) requirement. The findings were robust and reliable as level of heterogeneity was considerably low. However the included studies were of varied quality. Qualitative analysis showed that supplements (oral and IV) are well tolerated, safe and effective in COVID patients. CONCLUSION The findings of this study show that vitamin D supplementation is effective in reducing the COVID-19 severity. Hence, vitamin D should be recommended as an adjuvant therapy for COVID-19.However, more robust and larger trials are required to substantiate it further.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Shah
- From the Indian Institute of Public Health, Gujarat 382042, India
| | - V P Varna
- From the Indian Institute of Public Health, Gujarat 382042, India
| | - U Sharma
- From the Indian Institute of Public Health, Gujarat 382042, India
| | - D Mavalankar
- From the Indian Institute of Public Health, Gujarat 382042, India
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Menger J, Lee ZY, Notz Q, Wallqvist J, Hasan MS, Elke G, Dworschak M, Meybohm P, Heyland DK, Stoppe C. Administration of vitamin D and its metabolites in critically ill adult patients: an updated systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Crit Care 2022; 26:268. [PMID: 36068584 PMCID: PMC9446655 DOI: 10.1186/s13054-022-04139-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The clinical significance of vitamin D administration in critically ill patients remains inconclusive. The purpose of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to investigate the effect of vitamin D and its metabolites on major clinical outcomes in critically ill patients, including a subgroup analysis based on vitamin D status and route of vitamin D administration.
Methods Major databases were searched through February 9, 2022. Randomized controlled trials of adult critically ill patients with an intervention group receiving vitamin D or its metabolites were included. Random-effect meta-analyses were performed to estimate the pooled risk ratio (dichotomized outcomes) or mean difference (continuous outcomes). Risk of bias assessment included the Cochrane tool for assessing risk of bias in randomized trials. Results Sixteen randomized clinical trials with 2449 patients were included. Vitamin D administration was associated with lower overall mortality (16 studies: risk ratio 0.78, 95% confidence interval 0.62–0.97, p = 0.03; I2 = 30%), reduced intensive care unit length of stay (12 studies: mean difference − 3.13 days, 95% CI − 5.36 to − 0.89, n = 1250, p = 0.006; I2 = 70%), and shorter duration of mechanical ventilation (9 studies: mean difference − 5.07 days, 95% CI − 7.42 to − 2.73, n = 572, p < 0.0001; I2 = 54%). Parenteral administration was associated with a greater effect on overall mortality than enteral administration (test of subgroup differences, p = 0.04), whereas studies of parenteral subgroups had lower quality. There were no subgroup differences based on baseline vitamin D levels. Conclusions Vitamin D supplementation in critically ill patients may reduce mortality. Parenteral administration might be associated with a greater impact on mortality. Heterogeneity and assessed certainty among the studies limits the generalizability of the results. Trial registration: PROSPERO international prospective database of systematic reviews (CRD42021256939—05 July 2021). Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13054-022-04139-1.
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Žmitek K, Hribar M, Lavriša Ž, Hristov H, Kušar A, Pravst I. Socio-Demographic and Knowledge-Related Determinants of Vitamin D Supplementation in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Assessment of an Educational Intervention. Front Nutr 2021; 8:648450. [PMID: 34150825 PMCID: PMC8206500 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.648450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D is a pro-hormone, essential for musculo-skeletal health, normal immune system, and numerous other body functions. Vitamin D deficiency is considered as a risk factor in many conditions, and there is growing evidence of its potential role in the severity of COVID-19 outcomes. However, an alarmingly high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is reported in many regions, and vitamin D supplementation is commonly recommended, particularly during wintertime. To reduce the risk for vitamin D deficiency in the Slovenian population during the COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted mass media intervention with an educational campaign. The objective of this study was to investigate vitamin D supplementation practices in Slovenia before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to determine the effects of the educational intervention on supplementation practices. Two data collections were conducted using an online panel with quota sampling for age, sex, and geographical location. A pre-intervention (N = 602, April 2020) and post-intervention (N = 606, December 2020) sampling were done during the first and second COVID-19 lockdown, respectively. We also focused on the identification of different factors connected to vitamin D supplementation, with a particular emphasis on vitamin D-related knowledge. Study results showed significant increase in vitamin D supplementation in the population. Penetration of the supplementation increased from 33% in April to 56% in December 2020. The median daily vitamin D intake in supplement users was 25 μg, with about 95% of supplement users taking safe vitamin D levels below 100 μg/daily. Vitamin D-related knowledge (particularly about dietary sources of vitamin D, the health-related impact of vitamin D, and the prevalence of deficiency) was identified as a key independent predictor of vitamin D supplementation. Based on the study findings, we prepared recommendations to support the development of effective awareness campaigns for increasing supplementation of vitamin D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Žmitek
- Nutrition and Public Health Research Group, Nutrition Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- VIST–Higher School of Applied Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maša Hribar
- Nutrition and Public Health Research Group, Nutrition Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Živa Lavriša
- Nutrition and Public Health Research Group, Nutrition Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Hristo Hristov
- Nutrition and Public Health Research Group, Nutrition Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anita Kušar
- Nutrition and Public Health Research Group, Nutrition Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Igor Pravst
- Nutrition and Public Health Research Group, Nutrition Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- VIST–Higher School of Applied Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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