Background:
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) involves genetic, environmental,
and hormonal alterations, including Vitamin D deficiency.
Objective:
To evaluate the association between vitamin D levels with anti-dsDNA, complement
proteins, immunoglobulins levels and disease activity scores.
Methods:
: A cross-sectional study was performed. The levels of 25-OH vitamin D were measured in
patients older than 18 years with SLE according to ACR/97 [American College of Rheumatology
1997] from 2013 to 2015. The association was assessed by Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis
tests for continuous variables, and by the Chi or Fisher exact test for the nominal variables.
Results:
Sixty-nine patients were included; 82% were women; the mean age was 38.5 years; 36.2%
had low levels of vitamin D with higher consumption [p=0.006] of C4 and C3 complement proteins,
plus higher levels of anti-dsDNA. Lower values of vitamin D were observed in patients with
moderate to severe activity [p=0.0001] by SLEDAI [Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Activity Index]
and general domain [p=0.039] and renal domain [p=0.009] by BILAG [British Isles Lupus Assessment
Group] 2004. The mean vitamin D levels were higher in the group not receiving steroids
when compared to those groups with dosages of 0.5-1mg/kg/d [p=0.048].
Conclusion:
Lower levels of vitamin D are associated with greater complement protein consumption
and higher disease activity rates. Therefore, it is important to evaluate vitamin D supplementation
in patients with SLE as part of the treatment, especially when it includes the use of steroids.</P>
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