title: Prevalence and risk factors of vitamin D deficiency in critically ill patients.
abstract: Vitamin D (Vit D) is well known for its traditional role in calcium and bone homeostasis. Sun exposure and diet are essential for Vit D synthesis and intake. However, the association of Vit D deficiency with various diseases has held the attention of clinicians. Of note, Vit D has pleiotropic effects that could be involved in the optimal functioning of many organ systems. Several epidemiologic studies have documented widespread Vit D deficiency worldwide. Vit D deficiency is also frequent in hospitalized patients. Recently, publications have suggested a high prevalence of Vit D deficiency in critically ill patients, which might have a clinical impact in this specific population. However, few studies have specifically investigated the prevalence and risk factors of Vit D deficiency in intensive care units. The available data indicate a Vit D deficiency prevalence of 80% to 100% in critically ill patients. The risk factors associated with Vit D deficiency include variables dependent on demographic characteristics, such as ethnicity, age and sex, lifestyle and diet, medical history and medications, and acute critical illness. Of note, the presence of a systemic inflammatory response and the severity of acute illness may affect the Vit D status. This review presents the current knowledge on the prevalence of Vit D deficiency in the critically ill and the associated risk factors.
authors.affiliation: Service de Réanimation Médicale, CHU de Caen, Caen, F-14000, France.
authors.forename: Bertrand
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sauneuf
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Brunet
authors.forename: Olivier
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Lucidarme
authors.forename: Damien
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: du Cheyron
mesh_terms: D016638:Critical Illness; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000453:epidemiology*
chemical_list: D014807:Vitamin D