Study Title
Case–control study of serum vitamin D concentrations in hospitalised patients with COVID-19 and hospitalised controls suffering with respiratory tract infections of differing aetiology.
Principal Investigator
Zakaria Ali Ibrahim Elmi, Sameer Sighakoli, John Tetteh, Nazanin Zand.
Affiliation
Medway Maritime Hospital, University of Greenwich.
Start Date
April 2020.
End Date
May 2020.
Study Objective
To compare serum vitamin D concentrations between hospitalised COVID-19 patients and those with non-COVID-19 acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs).
Short Abstract
This study evaluated vitamin D concentrations in 60 patients (COVID-19 and non-COVID ARTIs) admitted to a hospital. Eighty percent of the study population exhibited low vitamin D levels, but no significant differences were found between the two groups. The findings align with other research on the link between low vitamin D and respiratory tract infections, highlighting the importance of screening hospital patients for deficiencies.
Study Design
Case–control study comparing serum vitamin D concentrations.
Population
60 hospitalised patients, 30 with COVID-19 and 30 with other ARTIs.
Sample Size
60 patients.
Inclusion Criteria
Patients hospitalised for COVID-19 or other ARTIs.
Exclusion Criteria
Patients requiring more than 8 L/min of oxygen.
Intervention/Exposure
Not applicable.
Outcome Measures
Serum vitamin D concentrations, length of hospital stay, and comorbidities.
Funding Source
No specific funding declared.
Collaborating Institutions
University of Greenwich.
Ethics Approval
Approved by Medway Maritime Hospital's Research and Innovation Department.
Publication Status
Published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, March 2023.
Keywords
Vitamin D, COVID-19, acute respiratory infections, hospitalised patients.
Data Collection Methods
Blood samples for serum vitamin D, glucose, and HbA1C levels.
Primary Data Availability
Available upon reasonable request.
Contact Information
Dr. Sameer Sighakoli,