Vitamin D deficiency and adult asthma exacerbations. (November 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Salas, Natalie Mariam; Luo, Li; Harkins, Michelle S.
• Is Part Of: Journal of asthma. Volume 51:Number 9(2014)
• Page Start: 950
• Page End: 955
• Publication Date: 2014-11
• Subjects: Asthma -- Periodicals; 616.238005
• DOI: 10.3109/02770903.2014.930883
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0277-0903

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Objectives</italic>: There is growing evidence indicating a connection between vitamin D deficiency and the severity of asthma exacerbations. This study seeks to assess the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and the number and severity of asthma exacerbation in adults. <italic>Methods</italic>: A retrospective analysis was conducted in 92 patients being treated for asthma at the University of New Mexico Adult Asthma Clinic. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels were analyzed in adults with mild to severe persistent asthma. Using multi-variant modeling, the relationship was examined between serum vitamin D levels and the odds of asthma exacerbations ranging in severity from moderate to severe over the span of five years. <italic>Results</italic>: This study demonstrates that vitamin D sufficiency was significantly associated with a decreased total number of asthma exacerbations (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.44–0.84, <italic>p</italic> = 0.002), decreased total severe asthma exacerbations (IRR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.24–0.72, <italic>p</italic> = 0.002) and decreased emergency room visits (IRR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.20–0.88, <italic>p</italic> = 0.023). <italic>Conclusion</italic>: Vitamin D deficiency may be linked to the risk of severe asthma exacerbations in adults.</p> </abstract>