Effects of vitamin D deficiency in critically ill surgical patients.

Background: The incidence of vitamin D deficiency in critically ill patients is reported to be up to 50%, with a 3-fold increase in predicted mortality, but limited data exist concerning vitamin D deficiency in critically ill surgical patients.

Methods: Sixty-six adult surgical intensive care unit patients who had 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum levels evaluated from January 2010 to February 2011 were prospectively identified. Patients were divided into groups according to vitamin D level (<20 vs ≥20 ng/mL).