Correlation of Serum Ferritin, Vitamin D Levels, and Severity of Clinical Symptoms in Patients with COVID-19

Abstract

: Nowadays, the world is experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic. Iron deficiency anemia and vitamin D deficiency are two of the world's most prevalent health problems. Severe COVID-19 patients were found with elevated serum ferritin and decreased vitamin D levels. There is a need to investigate the possible roles of micronutrients in the severity and mortality of COVID-19. This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 437 COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized from April to August 2020. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data of the patients were collected. Medical experts determined the severity of the infection based on the severity of the clinical symptoms and the extent and degree of the lung infection. The data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software Version 16. The mean age of the participants was 60.74 ± 16.70 years old, and the most common comorbidities were diabetes type II (15.1%) and hypertension (12%). Shortness of breath (58.6%), anosmia (55.1%), and ageusia (45.1%) were the most common presenting symptoms. The mean serum vitamin D level was 28.86 ± 15.69 ng/mL, and vitamin D deficiency was found in 53% of patients. The mean serum ferritin level was 125.32 ± 97.99 for males and 302 ± 73.6 for females. Significant correlations were observed between serum vitamin D levels, lower oxygen saturation rate, and COVID–19 severity. A significant relationship was found between the serum ferritin levels and hospitalization duration (P < 0.05). Our findings indicated that COVID-19 patients treated in the hospital had a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D. The severity of the disease was increased in patients with vitamin D deficiency and elevated serum ferritin levels.