Correlation Between Vitamin D Deficiency (25(OH)D3) and the Severity of Purulent Oropharyngeal Infections.

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in immune system function, and its deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of infections. This study investigates the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and the severity of purulent oropharyngeal infections, considering the need for surgical interventions and the duration of hospitalization. This retrospective study included patients diagnosed with peritonsillar phlegmons, laterocervical abscesses, and peritonsillar abscesses. Patients were categorized based on their vitamin D levels: deficiency (<30 ng/mL) and optimal levels (≥30 ng/mL). The clinical parameters, length of hospitalization, and type of treatment were analyzed. Statistical analyses included Student's -test, the chi-square test, and ANOVA to assess differences between groups. Patients with vitamin D (25(OH)D3) deficiency had a significantly longer hospital stay (8.50 days vs. 3.24 days, = 0.001) and required more frequent surgical interventions (55.6% vs. 27.8%, = 0.002) compared to those with optimal vitamin D levels. A trend toward more complex treatment regimens was also observed, although this relationship was not statistically significant ( > 0.05). These findings suggest that vitamin D (25(OH)D3) deficiency may contribute to a more severe course of oropharyngeal infections, increasing the need for invasive treatments and prolonging hospitalization. This highlights the importance of monitoring vitamin D (25(OH)D3) levels and the potential benefits of supplementation in preventing and managing severe upper respiratory tract infections.