title: The role of vitamin D in critical illness.
abstract: The role of vitamin D in critical illness is under investigation. Recent data indicate declining levels of serum vitamin D in multiple adult populations. Deficiencies have been strongly linked to infectious processes and certain chronic disorders. Vitamin D deficiency that is present at the onset of critical illness may impact the severity of illness and contribute to less-than-optimal outcomes. This article describes the function of vitamin D, the effects that deficiencies have on body systems, and the emerging role of vitamin D deficiency for critically ill patients.
authors.affiliation: Care Management, Rochester General Hospital, 1425 Portland Avenue, Rochester, NY 14621, USA. zararn@aol.com
authors.forename: Zara R
authors.initials: ZR
authors.lastname: Brenner
authors.forename: Arleen B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: Lynn C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Ayers
authors.forename: Ashlie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Roberts
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016638:Critical Illness; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000502:physiology*; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000503:physiopathology*
chemical_list: D014807:Vitamin D