Vitamin D deficiency is endemic in neurosurgical patients and is associated with a longer length of inpatient stay

摘要

Introduction Vitamin D deficiency is common in spinal surgery and critical care. Hypovitaminosis D may impact on outcomes in cranial neurosurgical care and play roles in underlying disease processes. Methods A prospective observational cohort study was performed. All emergency cranial neurosurgical ward admissions from 1st January to 10th May 2017 were screened for inclusion (n?=?406). Patients already receiving vitamin D supplementation, spinal patients and elective admissions were excluded. Admission vitamin D levels were checked for all remaining patients (n?=?95). Patients with vitamin D 30?nmol/L were defined as “deficient” and those 30‐50?nmol/L as “inadequate.” All patients with levels 50?nmol/L were replaced, as per local guidelines. Descriptive analyses of the cohorts were undertaken, with multivariate regression used to assess the effect of vitamin D on length of stay, inpatient morbidity and mortality. Results The median age of participants was 61?years (n?=?95; 57% male, 43% female). The median vitamin D level was 23?nmol/L (deficient). 84% (n?=?80) of patients had low vitamin D levels, with 61% (n?=?58) classed as deficient (30?nmol/L). Vitamin D deficiency rates were similar in those aged below 65?years (86%; n?=?38/44) and those above 65?years (82%; n?=?42/51). Deficient vitamin D level was associated with longer hospital stay ( P =?.03), and this relationship persisted after adjusting for potential confounders such as age, sex and preadmission Charlson co‐morbidity index. No statistically significant association was seen with vitamin D status and inpatient morbidity or mortality. Conclusions Vitamin D deficiency is common in cranial neurosurgical patients, even in predefined low‐risk groups (age 65). Lower vitamin D level was associated with longer length of stay. This study supports the need for: (a) further investigation into the roles of vitamin D in neurosurgical pathologies and management and (b) an appropriately powered, randomised investigation into the impact of vitamin D status upon neurosurgical diagnoses and complications.