To determine the efficacy of high dose Vitamin D (an over-the-counter nutritional supplement) in preventing immune-related complications in outpatients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Drug: Vitamin D3 or Placebo
): Participants will be given 8 capsules of either cholecalciferol 50,000 IU or placebo at study randomization. Participants will be instructed to take 4 capsules on receipt of the treatment package(Day 0), 2 capsules on Day 5, 1 capsule on Day 10, and 1 capsule on Day 15. A phone or text reminder will be included at Days 5, 10, and 15 to take the additional doses of vitamin D.
Device: Doctella telehealth monitoring
Doctella device will be give to participants by the Emergency department as part of usual care to monitor heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and perfusion index vitals continuously for approximately 10 days. The study team will receive the vitals signs data (heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, perfusion index, and temperature) retrospectively and will not be able to monitor patients in real time.
Inclusion Criteria:
1. ≥ 18 years of age
2. Laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection < 4 days before randomization
3. Report of symptoms consistent with SARS-CoV-2 infection (including but not limited to
fever, cough, muscle aches, joint pain, change in taste, change in smell, or shortness
of breath) <4 days before admission
4. Asymptomatic or mild symptoms (not requiring hospital admission)
5. Access to and ability to use a mobile phone with telehealth capability
Exclusion Criteria:
1. Unable to provide informed consent or comply with study directions
2. Admitted to an acute care bed
3. Baseline serum calcium < 8.8 mg/dL or > 10.2 mg/dl (as evaluated by labs taken in the
ER/urgent care)
4. Women who are currently breastfeeding
5. History of kidney stone in the past year or h/o multiple (>1) previous kidney stones
6. Does not have a smart phone that can download apps from Google Play or App Store.
7. No way to keep the phone charged consistently
8. The smartphone is shared with another individual.
9. Required laboratory data is unavailable (eg calcium levels)
10. No new oxygen requirement (see remote monitoring document)
11. Pregnant and lactating mothers.
12. Vitamin D level of 80ng/ml and above
13. No lab work for calcium or vitamin D completed in ED
Northwestern University
Chicago, Illinois, United States