Vitamin D to Improve Outcomes by Leveraging Early Treatment

Primary Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of early administration of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) in reducing mortality and morbidity for vitamin D deficient patients at high risk for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and mortality. Primary Hypothesis: Early administration of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) will improve all-cause, all-location mortality to day 90 in vitamin D deficient patients at high risk for ARDS and mortality. Methods: Patients were recruited from the emergency departments (EDs), hospital wards, operating rooms, intensive care unites (ICUs) and other acute care areas of the participating PETAL Network Clinical Centers. Screening included a test for Vitamin D (25OHD) levels using either the hospital's clinical laboratory or an FDA-approved point-of-care device (FastPack IP, Qualigen Inc). Patients screened as vitamin D deficient (\<20 ng/mL) were randomized. Half of the randomized patients received an early administration of high-dose vitamin D3 and the other half received a placebo. Both active and placebo products were given orally or via naso/orogastric tube. Rational: Vitamin D has pleiotropic roles in regulating immune function and maintaining epithelial surface integrity. Strong preclinical data support the protective role of vitamin D in regulating pulmonary inflammation and disruption of the alveolar-capillary membrane that are fundamental to ARDS pathogenesis.