Vitamin D, Gamma-glutamyl Transferase, Total Protein, Albumin/Globulin Ratio, Urea and Creatinine Levels in Relation to Severity of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Patients in Lagos, Nigeria

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Background Serum vitamin D has gained attention due to its potential role in immunity. The global impact of SARS-CoV-2 infections underscored the need to explore factors influencing disease severity especially vitamin D status and markers of liver and kidney functions. This study investigated relationship between serum vitamin D, liver and kidney function markers, and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infections among participants in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods This was a cross-sectional, case-control study on a cohort of 236 patients with varying COVID-19 statuses and 44 COVID-19 negative participants. Structured questionnaire was administered to collect socio-demographic and clinical data. Venous blood samples were collected and vitamin D measured using architect 1000 Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immuno Assay (CMIA). Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total protein, albumin/globulin ratio, urea and creatinine were determined using TC-Matrix Chemistry Analyzer (Teco Diagnostics USA). Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed. Results SARS-CoV-2-positive participants in the study had higher vitamin D levels compared to negative participants. Overall, the analysis indicates that while there are some significant correlations (between vitamin D levels and albumin/globulin ratio in asymptomatic (r = 0.23, p = 0.009) and mild cases (r = -0.20, p = 0.05), and total protein in asymptomatic (r = 0.17, p = 0.05) and mild cases (r = 0.22, p = 0.03)), most correlations are weak and not statistically significant. Conclusions The study showed that while there are some significant correlations between vitamin D levels and albumin/globulin ratio in asymptomatic and mild cases and total protein in asymptomatic and mild cases, most correlations are weak and not statistically significant. This suggests that the relationship between vitamin D levels and these clinical parameters in COVID-19 participants may be limited or influenced by other factors not captured in this study. Further research with larger sample sizes and additional variables may help to clarify these relationships.