Investigation of hypovitaminosis D in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and its relationship with clinical worsening: a cross-sectional observational retrospective clinical study

Abstract

Numerous studies have demonstrated the profile of infection and symptoms related to COVID-19 that occur with pulmonary manifestations (such as Acute Respiratory Syndrome), digestive symptoms, anosmia, and ageusia. Many comorbidities have been associated with deaths and severe cases of the disease, such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and heart disease. However, many questions remain unanswered, especially the association of disease severity with hypovitaminosis D. Vitamin D deficiency is widely found in patients in Intensive Care Units, and recent studies have shown that it has been suggested that patients with severe manifestations of COVID-19 have hypovitaminosis D. Therefore, the present study aims to associate the presence of hypovitaminosis D in patients with the acute respiratory syndrome, positive for SARS-COV-2, admitted to the José Alencar Regional Hospital in Uberaba/Brazil and the evolution of the disease (days of hospitalization, hospitalization in the ICU, discharge and death) through the analysis of vitamin D (25(OH)D) hospitalized patients clinical records. The incidence of hypovitaminosis D among the patients was also assessed. The results may contribute to the understanding of the disease, as well as the need for vitamin supplementation.