Effects of vitamin D deficiency in critically ill surgical patients

The incidence of vitamin D deficiency in critically ill patients is reported to be up to 50%, with a 3-fold increase in predicted mortality, but limited data exist concerning vitamin D deficiency in critically ill surgical patients.

Sixty-six adult surgical intensive care unit patients who had 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum levels evaluated from January 2010 to February 2011 were prospectively identified. Patients were divided into groups according to vitamin D level (<20 vs ≥20 ng/mL).

Of the 66 patients evaluated, 49 (74%) had vitamin D levels < 20 ng/mL, and 17 (26%) had vitamin D levels ≥ 20 ng/mL. Patients with vitamin D levels < 20 versus ≥ 20 ng/mL had longer lengths of hospital stay. Lengths of intensive care unit stay were clinically longer, although not significant. Infection rates tended to be higher (P = .09), and a higher incidence of sepsis was seen in the patients with vitamin D levels < 20 ng/mL.

Vitamin D levels < 20 ng/mL have a significant impact on length of stay, organ dysfunction, and infection rates. More data are needed on the value of supplementation to improve these outcomes.