Vitamin D serum level in subjects with critical illness polyneuropathy and myopathy

BACKGROUND: Critical illness polyneuropathy and myopathy (CIPNM) is a disabling neuropathy that occurs in intensive care unit (ICU) subjects. It was hypothesized that a low serum level or deficiency of 25(OH)D might be associated with CIPNM. The aim of the present study was to ascertain the 25(OH)D serum level in subjects with CIPNM. METHOD: Consecutive ICU patients admitted to neuro-rehabilitation were prospectively enrolled. At admission, vitamin D serum levels were measured and EMG examination was performed to ascertain those with CIPNM. 25(OH)D was stratified as sufficient (≥30 ng/mL) insufficient (20-29.9 ng/mL), and deficient (<20 ng/mL). RESULTS: Eighty-four patients (31 F, 53 M; mean age 51.7±12.6) were identified and 63 (21 F, 42 M) enrolled. CIPNM was detected in 38 (9 F, 29 M) patients. A deficient mean serum level of vitamin D was observed in the whole population: 18.1 ± 9.2 ng/mL. No difference of vitamin D serum levels was detected in subjects with and without CIPNM: 17.5 ± 8.4 and 19.0 ± 10.5 ng/mL (p=0.58), respectively. CONCLUSION: Almost all subjects showed Vitamin D deficiency. No difference was detected between those with and without CIPNM. The condition might represent a secondary phenomenon resulting from the inflammatory process as well as from conditions that could interfere with vitamin D metabolism.