Prevalence and Impact of Vitamin D Deficiency in Critically Ill Cancer Patients Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit

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Published on Thursday, 07 January 2021

Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency is frequent in cancer patients and a risk factor for morbidity and mortality during critical illness.

This single-center retrospective study analyzed 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in critically ill cancer patients (n = 178; hematologic, n = 108; solid, n = 70) enrolled in a prospective ICU registry.

The primary analysis was the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) and the severe deficiency (≤12 ng/mL). Secondary analyses included risk factors for vitamin D deficiency and its impact on ICU, hospital, and 1-year mortality.

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and severe deficiency was 74% (95% CI: 67-80%) and 54% (95% CI: 47-61%).

Younger age, relapsed/refractory disease, and a higher sepsis-related organ failure assessment (SOFA) score were independent risk factors for vitamin D deficiency (p < 0.05).

After adjusting for relapsed/refractory disease, infection, the SOFA score, and the early need for life-supporting interventions, severe vitamin D deficiency was an independent predictor of hospital mortality (OR: 2.21, 95% CI: 1.03-4.72, p = 0.04) and 1-year mortality (OR: 3.40, 95% CI: 1.50-7.71, p < 0.01), but not of ICU mortality.

Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is common in critically ill cancer patients requiring ICU admission, but its impact on short-term mortality in this group is uncertain. The observed association of severe vitamin D deficiency with the post-ICU outcome warrants clinical consideration and further study.

 



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See also:

- Official Web Site: The Di Bella Method;


 


- The Di Bella Method (A Fixed Part - Dihydrotachysterol, Alfacalcidol, synthetic Vitamin D3);

- Vitamin D (analogues and/or derivatives) and cancer - In vitro, review and in vivo publications;

- The Di Bella Method (A Fixed Part - Cyclophosphamide 50mg tablets and/or Hydroxyurea 500mg tablets, one or two per day);

- The Di Bella Method (A Fixed Part - Calcium, 2 grams per day, orally);


 


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