The effect of 1-hydroxy-vitamin D treatment in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: A retrospective study

Abstract

The efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 1-hydroxy-vitamin D on the prevention of severe disease and mortality in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. This retrospective study included 312 patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to our hospital between April 2021 and October 2021 (primarily the Delta variant) and between July 2022 and September 2022 (primarily Omicron variant). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were measured at the time of admission and 1-hydroxy-vitamin D was prescribed by the treating physicians. The patients were divided into two groups: those administered 1-hydroxy-vitamin D (Vit D group) and those who were not (control group). The composite primary endpoint was the need for additional respiratory support, including high-flow oxygen therapy or invasive mechanical ventilation, and in-hospital mortality rate. Of 312 patients, 122 (39%) received 1-hydroxy-vitamin D treatment. Although the median age was not significantly higher in the Vit D group than in the control group (66 vs. 58 years old, P=0.06) and there was no significant difference in the proportion of vitamin D deficiency (defined as serum 25(OH)D level less than 20ng/mL, 77% vs. 65%, P=0.07), patients in the control group had a more severe baseline profile compared to the Vit D group according to the Japanese disease severity definition for COVID-19 (P=0.01). The proportion of those requiring more respiratory support and in-hospital mortality was significantly lower in the Vit D group than in the control group (6% vs. 14%, P=0.01 log-rank test). After propensity score matching, a statistically significant difference in the primary endpoint was observed (P=0.03 log-rank test). 1-hydroxy-vitamin treatment may improve outcomes in hospitalized patients with COVID-19, reducing composite outcomes including the need for additional respiratory support and in-hospital mortality.