Serum vitamin D3 level correlates with FEV1 in patients with advanced COPD

Abstract

Background: Decreased level of vitamin D3 is observed in COPD and is probably associated with muscle weakness, recurrent infections and increased number of exacerbations per year. Aim: To determine the prevalence of severe deficiency among advanced COPD patients and to assess whether severe deficiency is associated with the course of the disease defined by symptoms, lung function and exercise tolerance. Methods: Study group consisted of 86 patients with advanced COPD (62 males, 24 females, mean age 70 years). Total vitamin D3 level was assessed with commercial LIAISON kit in autumn-winter period. Clinical data collected prospectively included CAT, pulmonary function testing and six-minute walk test (6MWT). Results: In 12 (14%) cases the level of vitamin D3 was within normal range (>20 ng/ml). Deficiency was found in 74 (86%) cases, including 37 patients (43%) with the level lower than 10 ng/ml (severe deficiency). The mean FEV1 in the study group was 47%, mean CAT result was 21 and mean result of 6MWT (available only in 40 patients) was 356 meters. There was a correlation between vitamin D3 level and FEV1 with correlation coefficient of 0.298 (p Conclusion: In majority of patients with advanced COPD severe vitamin D3 deficiency may be anticipated. Furthermore, there is evidence for positive correlation between vitamin D3 level and FEV1. Thus it may mean that the severe vitamin D3 deficiency negatively influence the course of COPD. Study was supported by donation ( given by pharmaceutical company - Unipharm) for Medical University of Gdansk, Poland .