Study of Early Vitamin D3 Supplementation to Improve Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients with Low Vitamin D Levels

What this Trial Is About

Recent research shows vitamin D deficiency is common in critically ill patients, leading to longer ICU stays, higher costs, and increased risk of infections and death. This trial aims to evaluate early vitamin D3 supplementation in critically ill patients with low vitamin D levels to maintain sufficient serum calcidiol levels. Conducted across multiple centers in Taiwan, the study seeks to inform guidelines for vitamin D dosing based on deficiency severity. Participants will receive vitamin D3 or a placebo medium-chain triglyceride supplement based on their initial serum 25OHD levels. Supplement doses vary accordingly, with vitamin D3 given in high doses starting on ICU day 3, administered every 3 hours over 48 hours. Serum calcidiol and parathyroid hormone levels will be measured on Days 0, 7, 14, and 30 to monitor response. During the study, 240 critically ill patients will be closely monitored for vitamin D levels and clinical outcomes, including 30-day mortality. Additional assessments include length of ICU and hospital stay, mortality related to vitamin D levels, and correlations between vitamin D increments and body weight. This comprehensive monitoring will help determine the best vitamin D treatment strategy for critically ill patients over the 30-day period following ICU admission.

Early Vitamin D3 Supplementation for Critically Ill Patients