Serum Vitamin D levels at admission predict the length of intensive care unit stay but not in-hospital mortality of critically ill surgical patients

Abstract

Statistically significant association was found between low 25(OH)D level and increased length of ICU stay in critically ill surgical patients. It could be explained by favorable effects of Vitamin D on immune system functions, reducing tissue dysfunction, and risk of organ failure and overall complications. However, there was no correlation between serum Vitamin D level and patients' in-hospital mortality. Further, well-designed prospective clinical studies with adequate sample size are needed to evaluate correlation between serum Vitamin D level and mortality in critically ill patients.