Calcium Metabolism Disorders in Patients with COVID-19

Background: We aimed to evaluate calcium (Ca) metabolism disorders in patients with COVID-19, a novel virus with numerous unknown aspects and potential complications. This study was conducted due to the scarcity of evidence on this subject and the crucial importance of conducting a comprehensive assessment. Objectives: We hypothesized that this research would shed light on this previously unexplored phenomenon. Methods: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted on COVID-19 patients admitted to Afzalipur Kerman Medical Center, Iran, in 2021. Data collection involved demographic characteristics and laboratory results. A 5 cc blood sample was collected in a clot test tube to perform total Ca tests using the photometric method (Arsenazo III kit), ionized Ca tests via the ISE method, magnesium measurements with the photometric method using the Xylidyl blue kit, iPTH (intact parathyroid hormone) assessments, and 25-OH-VITD3 measurements using the ELISA technique with the Monobind kit. Results: The present study included 162 participants, comprising 59% males and 41% females, with an average age of 49 years. Among the patients, the most prevalent Ca metabolism disorders were low vitamin D levels, including both deficiency and insufficiency (59%), as well as elevated ionized Ca levels (43%). Conversely, the least common Ca metabolism disorders in these patients were hyperparathyroidism (7%) and excessive Ca adjustment (8%). Conclusions: The findings suggest the possibility of Ca metabolism disorders, particularly hypocalcemia, in COVID-19 patients. Given the nature of this study, we recommend conducting longitudinal and more comprehensive research in this field to investigate contributing factors in more detail and establish a cause-and-effect relationship.