In May 2019 researchers from Poland published the results of their study to assess whether reduced levels of vitamin D are associated with the risk of survival following an ischaemic stroke. A total of 240 individuals admitted consecutively within 24 hours of experiencing an ischaemic stroke were included in the study as well as 480 matched individuals who acted as a control group. Levels of vitamin D were assessed, and information on mortality collected from the local registry office. It was noted that only 3 of the 240 individuals had a vitamin D level that fell within the normal range (30-80 ng/mL), whilst 25 had a mildly reduced (insufficient) level, 61 a moderate deficiency, and 151 severe vitamin D deficiency. 20% of the individuals also had secondary hyperparathyroidism. During a follow up period of 45 months, 79 of the individuals who had suffered an ischaemic stroke died. Results showed that the vitamin D level was significantly lower in the group who had suffered an ischaemic stroke than in the control group. It was also noted that the death rate was higher in those with severe vitamin D deficiency. Age, vitamin D level of under 10 ng/mL, and functional status were significant factors that reduced the odds of surviving an ischaemic stroke.
Wajda J et al. Severity of Vitamin D Deficiency Predicts Mortality in Ischemic Stroke Patients. Dis Markers. 2019 May 2;2019:3652894