The effect of Vitamin D3 on clinical outcome of stroke patients in ICU- a prospective randomised double blind study

Rationale- Recently, vitamin D3 has emerged as a potential treatment adjunct for ischemic stroke, as it interferes with the key to survival pathways and shows neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, regenerative and anti-aging properties in both neuronal and vascular tissue. Past studies on oral and IM supplementation of vitamin D shows mixed results, now IM single dose of vitamin D is available and has not been tested yet. We hypothesise that IM vitamin D3 may have better outcome in quality of stroke patients. Novelty-of our study is the use of single shot IM vitamin D3 , which will have more predictable and effective results. Primary Objective- comparison of modified Rankin scale at 90 days of admission to ICU between the two groups (IV vitamin D and placebo) Secondary objectivecomparison of modified Rankin scale at the time of discharge, Number of days of mechanical ventilation, Change in serum vitamin D3 from baseline to Day5. Methods-upon admission all stroke patients will be assessed on the basis of National institute of health stroke scale (NIHSS). patients with baseline NIHSS score between 5-24 will be included in study and their serum Vitamin D levels will be assessed and IM VitD3 injection of 600000 IU will be given to those with levels less than 30ng/ml. Outcome- will be better neurological outcome in terms of functional ability and disability free days by the neuroprotective and neuro-modulatory effects.