Plasma vitamin D status and its association with biochemical, clinical and humanistic outcomes in diabetic foot infection patients: a prospective observational study in a tertiary healthcare facility.

Background: The study aimed to determine the association of vitamin D3 status with biochemical, clinical, and quality of life (QoL) in diabetic foot infection (DFI) patients.

Research design and methods: A longitudinal study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital. Baseline biochemical (glycemic, renal, plasma vitamin D3), clinical, and QoL data of the DFI patients were collected. Patients were followed up with over the telephone for four months to assess clinical outcomes (healed/not healed). A subgroup analysis was performed to investigate the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation.

Results: Eighty-nine DFI patients were enrolled, with a median age of 55 years and a male predominance (89.9%). A significant association between vitamin D3 levels and clinical outcome was not observed (p = 0.66). A moderate correlation was observed with the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (r = 0.24, p = 0.02). Regarding QoL, emotions (domain) were significantly associated with vitamin D3 levels (p < 0.01). The subgroup analysis showed that vitamin D3 supplements did not affect the clinical outcome.

Conclusion: The plasma vitamin D3 levels and vitamin D3 supplements do not significantly affect the biochemical, clinical, and humanistic outcomes, indicating vitamin D3 did not have a positive effect on DFI patients.