PRESS

Browse ATS 2021 Abstracts

HomeProgram ▶ Browse ATS 2021 Abstracts
 

ATS 2021 will feature presentations of original research from accepted abstracts. Mini Symposia and Thematic Poster Sessions are abstract based sessions.

Please use the form below to browse scientific abstracts and case reports accepted for ATS 2021. Abstracts presented at the ATS 2021 will be published in the Online Abstract Issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Volume 203, May 3, 2021.

Search Tips:

  • Use the keyword search to search by keyword or author's name.
  • Filter your search results by selecting the checkboxes that apply.
  • Click on "Clear" to clear the form and start a new search. .

Search results will display below the form.


Reduced Vitamin D Levels Associated with Increased COVID-19 Related Deaths

Session Title
TP11 - TP011 USE OF HEALTH SERVICES AND MEDICAL EDUCATION RESEARCH TO EVALUATE THE EFFECT OF COVID-19
Abstract
A1511 - Reduced Vitamin D Levels Associated with Increased COVID-19 Related Deaths
Author Block: N. Moudgil, T. Oyegunle, A. Makan, E. Crawford, K. S. Srinivasan, N. Ahmad, D. Dev, H. Moudgil; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Princess Royal Hospital, Telford, United Kingdom.
RATIONALE: Vitamin D supports immunity and inflammation by inhibiting proinflammatory cytokine release from macrophages and up-regulating the expression of anti-microbial peptides exhibiting anti-viral activity. Respiratory epithelial cells also convert inactive 25(OH)D (main circulating vitamin D) to 1,25(OH)2D3 enabling high local concentrations of this biologically active form to increase the expression of vitamin D-regulated genes. Studies continue to investigate the therapeutic effects and establish the optimal serum levels of 25(OH)D required to reduce the impact of respiratory tract infections whilst avoiding toxic hypercalcaemic high-dose ‘blind’ supplementation. Analysing patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 RNA) during the first phase of the pandemic, objectives and focus on reporting were to (1) document the population where measured vitamin D levels are readily available whilst quantifying those on supplements and (2) compare outcome at discharge depending on most recent available vitamin D status.
METHODS: Computer data including clinical outcomes were examined for the 516 patients (55% male) with mean age 67.4 (SD 18.3, range 0 to 100) years admitted from our semi-rural predominantly white European population to our District General Hospitals (Teaching) during the 4 months (March to June 2020) in the first phase of the COVID-19 illness in the UK. Outcomes (death during admission versus discharged alive) were analysed with SPSS comparing those with reduced versus adequate vitamin D levels.
RESULTS: Collectively (n=516), vitamin D levels (historical or updated) were available on 163 (31.5%) of patients; 17 (3.3%) undertaken during the admission. Data were skewed with median level 47 (interquartile range 24.1 to 66.9) nmol/L. 74 (14.3%) were already on vitamin D supplements and for an additional 10 (1.9%) this was initiated during the admission. Among the 163 patients, 86 (52.7%) had reduced vitamin D levels (deficient or insufficient) and these had worse outcomes with 29/86 (33.7%) having died during the admission compared with 13/74 (17.6%) of those with adequate levels: X2 (df 1, n=163) 6.02, p=.014. Table 1 categorises distribution of values.
CONCLUSIONS: Data highlight (1) less than a third of admitted COVID-19 patients have recorded vitamin D levels and of these more than half have reduced levels, (2) 14.3% are already taking vitamin D, (3) very few get tested during the acute admission or get started on supplements, and (4) there is a statistical difference highlighting adverse outcome (death versus discharged alive) for those with reduced vitamin D levels.