Short Term Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on the Clinical Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Valve Replacement Surgery

Overview

This study evaluates the effect of Vitamin D supplementation on ICU and hospital LOS in patients undergoing valve replacement surgery. Half of the patients will receive Alfacalcidol, while the other half-the control group- will be exposed to the same environment without receiving alfacalcidol.

Vitamin D insufficiency has been reported in more than 80% of critically ill patients, hospitalized in intensive care unit (ICU), including cardiac surgical patients. Moreover, 25(OH)D levels continue to decrease from baseline throughout the hospital stay and resolves by 6 months. Vitamin D levels \< 20 ng/ml is associated with higher mortality, infection rates and prolonged length of ICU saty. The discovery of vitamin D receptors (VDR) expressed on cardiac muscle and vasculature, released a strong hypothesis suggesting that vitamin D regulates RAAS activity and cardiac remodeling. The beneficial effects of vitamin D on cardiovascular system, immune function and wound healing could be of particular interest in critical care, and patients undergoing valve replacement surgery will benefit the most.

Conditions

Interventions

Eligibility

Locations (1)

Outcomes