The evaluation of vitamin D deficiency on prognosis for elderly patients in severe illness

Abstract

Objective To investigate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in elderly patients in severe illness and its relationship with severity of disease and prognosis. Methods Totally 325 inpatients admitted to geriatric intensive care unit were included in this study. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25-(OH)D]was examined. Main laboratory findings, the incidence of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE Ⅱ) score and mortality rate of 30-day were compared among patients with different serum 25(OH)D levels. Potential risk factors for mortality were analyzed by multivariate Logistic regression analysis. Results 25(OH)D deficiency was identified in 113 (34.77%). Compared to 25(OH)D sufficiency group, 25(OH)D deficiency group has significantly higher plasma lactic acid, APACHE Ⅱ score, the incidence of MODS and mortality rate of 30-day, P<0.05. Analysis by multiple logistic regression suggested that 25(OH)D deficiency was independent risk factor for mortality. Conclusions Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among elderly patients with severe illness, and may be an independent risk factor for mortality. Key words: Vitamin D deficiency; Critical illness; Prognosis