Vit D Assessment in Patients with Covid-19 Virus

Abstract

Abstract Background vitamin D may potentially play an important role in preventing or ameliorating the multi-system consequences of COVID-19 infections. Aim of the Work The aims of this study is to assess that there is a potential association between mean levels of vitamin D in the cases and mortality caused by COVID-19. Patients and Methods This was a case control study that was conducted on 80 Egyptian Patients attending at El medani hospital, El Obour specialized hospital, and the outpatient clinics at Ain shams University hospitals through six months. Results Vitamin D deficiency has been found to contribute to acute respiratory distress syndrome, a major cause of death associated with COVID-19. Vitamin D plays a role in strengthening the body‟s immunity by inducing monocyte differentiation and inhibiting lymphocyte proliferation. Regarding to the laboratory investigations: We have found that the number and percentage of WBC, LYM and NEU were significantly different between positive and negative RT-PCR cases for COVID-19/or SARS-CoV-2. In comparison to the normal range, we found low WBC and LYM counts in patients with positive RT-PCR COVID-19. Regarding to vitamin D: Our study showed statistically significant positive correlation between vit D and lymphocytes, and there was statistically significant negative correlation between vit D, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, CRP, BUN, S. creatinine, AST, ALT, FERRITIN, LDH and D-DIMER. Conclusion Vitamin D deficiency is a risk factor for infections as well as for insufficient innate immune system reactivity, therefore the winter time testing for serum vitamin D status (lowest levels expected) should be mandatory as part of regular health check status. The test is even more mandatory in patients with chronic diseases, where we expect vitamin D deficiency during all the year and an increased burden of risk factors for further disease severity and even mortality. In conclusion, this study confirms that vitamin D deficiency is associated with more severe lung involvement, longer disease duration, in COVID-19 patients.