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Electrolytes, Zinc and Vitamin D3 in COVID-19 Patients with Cardiovascular Complications
A A AlKhuzaie1,2, E A Jabbar2, B J Albadry3
1College of Science, University of Thi-Qar.
Insights
COVID-19 significantly lowers levels of essential electrolytes, zinc, and vitamin D3. These deficiencies are more pronounced in severe cases and correlate with age, sex, and pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
Background:
- COVID-19 is linked to cardiovascular disease through myocardial injury and systemic inflammation.
- Pre-existing or infection-induced cardiovascular issues exacerbate COVID-19 outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between COVID-19 infection and serum levels of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium) and vitamin D3.
- To explore correlations between these markers and disease severity, patient demographics, and pre-existing conditions.
Main Methods:
- Serum electrolytes and vitamin D3 levels were measured in 192 COVID-19 patients and 50 controls using a Chemistry Analyzer and ichroma ii device.
- Patients were categorized by disease severity (critical, severe, moderate) and compared to a control group.
Main Results:
- COVID-19 patients showed significantly lower levels of calcium, potassium, sodium, zinc, and vitamin D3 compared to controls.
- Lower levels of these markers correlated negatively with age and were more pronounced in critical cases.
- Males had lower zinc, females lower vitamin D3. Patients with cardiac issues or hypertension exhibited the lowest levels.
Conclusions:
- COVID-19 is significantly associated with decreased serum electrolytes, zinc, and vitamin D3 levels.
- These deficiencies are influenced by age, sex, disease severity, and comorbidities like cardiovascular disease.
- Lowered levels of these micronutrients may indicate increased risk or severity of COVID-19 complications.
Introduction:
COVID-19 is strongly linked to cardiovascular disease, with direct myocardial injury and systemic inflammation as common mechanisms. Pre-existing or infection-induced cardiovascular disease worsens the outcomes for COVID-19 patients.
Materials And Methods:
To estimate the serum electrolytes (Na+, K+, Ca++, Zn) and vitamin D3, the study depended on ichroma ii device for Vitamin D3 and Chemistry Analyzer for electrolytes in patient samples.
Results:
A study was conducted on 192 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, including 35 critical cases, 53 severe cases, 54 moderate cases, and 50 individuals in a control group. The age group with the highest prevalence of infection was between 50‒69 years, while the lowest prevalence was observed in those under 30 years. The study found significant decreases in calcium, potassium, sodium, zinc, and vitamin D3 levels among COVID-19 patients compared to the control group. Zinc and vitamin D3 levels showed a significant correlation with sex, with males experiencing a decline in zinc levels and females having lower vitamin D3 levels. The concentration of calcium, sodium, and zinc showed a negative correlation with age, with older patients having the lowest levels. COVID-19 patients with chronic cardiac issues and high blood pressure exhibited the lowest levels of these markers. The severity of the disease also had a detrimental impact on electrolyte levels, zinc, and vitamin D3, with critical cases showing the lowest levels. The complications such as heart failure were associated with lower levels of potassium, sodium, and zinc.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the study revealed significant associations between COVID-19 and decreased electrolyte levels, zinc, and vitamin D3. Sex and age were found to be correlated with these markers. Patients with chronic cardiac issues and high blood pressure exhibited the lowest levels of these markers. The severity of the disease was also linked to lower electrolyte levels, zinc, and vitamin D3. Complications such as heart failure were associated with decreased levels of potassium, sodium, and zinc.
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