Correlation between serum vitamin D level and dichotomous distribution of hematological parameters in a cohort of 12709 patients

Abstract

Background/aim: Recent evidence suggests that Vitamin D deficiency may be associated with varying degrees of peripheral blood cytopenia(s). However, the effect of Vitamin D on hematopoiesis is largely unknown. According to predefined inclusion criteria, here we analyzed the correlation between serum Vitamin D level and hematological parameters. Materials and methods: In the present cohort study, a total of 12.709 patients were screened. In the first data set, all patients were included. However, in the second one, only patients (9.936) with no complete blood count (CBC) abnormality and any nutritional deficiency (Iron, Vitamin B12 and Folic acid) were evaluated. According to the level of Vitamin D levels, patients were divided into the four groups. Vitamin D level was 10 ng/mL in group 1, 10–20 ng/mL in group 2, 20–30 ng/mL in group 3, and above of 30 ng/mL in group 4. Hematological parameters were analyzed and compared with Vitamin D levels. Hb level and RBC, WBC, ANC, ALC counts were excepted as major hematological parameters. Results: Median age of the 12709 subjects was 41 years and 61.9% was female. We have not observed statistically significant difference between datasets regarding both demographic parameters and median Vitamin D levels. Posthoc analysis revealed a positive trend regarding major hematological parameters through group 2 (10–20 ng/ml) when compared to other Vitamin D groups except for platelet counts (All P values were <0.001). Regression analysis also revealed that patients who were classified under group 2 possessed a more potent hematopoiesis when compared to others in similar age, are same sex, and having similar baseline CRP values. In contrast to other cells, the number of thrombocytes were higher in group 1. Furthermore, all CBC and hemoglobin levels decreased with the increased level of Vitamin D except basophil. Conclusion: Our study reports a correlation between major hematological parameters and Vitamin D levels in a particularly large patient population who lacks a significant confounder like chronic illnesses or conditions which may change hematological parameters.