Vitamin D deficiency and adult asthma exacerbations

Abstract

Objectives: There is growing evidence indicating a connection between vitamin D deficiency and the severity of asthma exacerbations. This study seeks to assess the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and the number and severity of asthma exacerbation in adults. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted in 92 patients being treated for asthma at the University of New Mexico Adult Asthma Clinic. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels were analyzed in adults with mild to severe persistent asthma. Using multi-variant modeling, the relationship was examined between serum vitamin D levels and the odds of asthma exacerbations ranging in severity from moderate to severe over the span of five years. Results: This study demonstrates that vitamin D sufficiency was significantly associated with a decreased total number of asthma exacerbations (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.44–0.84, p = 0.002), decreased total severe asthma exacerbations (IRR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.24–0.72, p = 0.002) and decreased emergency room visits (IRR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.20–0.88, p = 0.023). Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency may be linked to the risk of severe asthma exacerbations in adults.