Vitamin D Status in Hemodialysis Transplant Candidates and Living Donors

Vitamin D, beyond its classical role in calcium and phosphate metabolism, is recognized as an important regulator of immune function and inflammation. Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly those receiving maintenance hemodialysis, and has been associated with adverse outcomes including mineral and bone disorders, increased susceptibility to infections, chronic inflammation, cardiovascular complications, and higher mortality. Despite the availability of international data, comprehensive local evidence in Iran comparing vitamin D status between hemodialysis patients listed for kidney transplantation and healthy living kidney donors is limited. This study aims to determine and compare serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D \[25(OH)D\] levels in these two groups and to evaluate their association with demographic characteristics, selected immunologic and inflammatory indicators, and clinical outcomes. This single-center cross-sectional analytical study will utilize data extracted from medical records. The results may provide scientific evidence to improve screening, prevention, and management strategies for vitamin D deficiency in hemodialysis patients awaiting kidney transplantation.