Serum vitamin D levels in COVID-19 patients: prevalence of hypovitaminosis and associated factors

In December 2019, a new coronavirus was identified in Wuhan, China, as the agent of respiratory infections, including cases of respiratory failure and death. The virus called SARS-CoV-2 spread rapidly to more than 180 countries, including Brazil, causing an international alarm and pandemic declaration by the World Health Organization. However, despite the epidemiological importance, additional information on SARS-CoV- 2 are necessary to better understand the transmission, pathophysiology, disease severity factors and risks for the general population. Vitamin D has immunomodulatory properties, including the regulation of inflammatory cytokines, and may have a preventive role in the evolution of acute lung injury. It is plausible that vitamin D may have a protective role against SARS-CoV-2, reducing the severity of pneumonia and the progression to acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, there are no studies on the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D and the factors associated with this condition in the population of people infected with SARS-CoV-2. Considering this knowledge gap, the present study aims to assess serum vitamin D levels in hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as to identify factors associated with this deficiency, especially inflammatory and oxidative stress variables. The project is an observational, cross-sectional study with patients of both sexes, aged 18 years or older and hospitalized with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection. (AU)