Vitamin D to Improve Outcomes by Leveraging Early Treatment

Vitamin D deficiency is a common, potentially reversible contributor to morbidity and mortality among critically ill patients. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial of early vitamin D3 supplementation in critically ill, vitamin D-deficient patients who were at high risk for death. Patients screened as vitamin D deficient (\<20 ng/mL) were randomized. Randomization occurred within 12 hours after the decision to admit the patient to an intensive care unit. Eligible patients received a single enteral dose of 540,000 IU of vitamin D3 or matched placebo. The primary end point was 90-day all-cause, all-location mortality.