Reduced serum concentrations of 25-hydroxy vitamin D in Egyptian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: Relation to disease activity

Abstract

SummaryBackgroundRecently, vitamin D deficiency has been implicated as a potential environmental factor triggering some autoimmune disorders, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)). In addition, patients with SLE, especially those with increased disease activity, were suggested to have decreased vitamin D level, suggesting that vitamin D might play a role in regulating autoantibody production.Material/MethodsTo assess 25 hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] status in Egyptian patients with SLE and its relation to disease activity. Clinical evaluation and assay of serum 25(OH)D, total calcium, phosphorous, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were done on 60 SLE patients in comparison to 60 matched-healthy subjects. Serum 25(OH)D levels <30 and 10 ng/ml were defined as vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency, respectively.ResultsSerum 25(OH)D was significantly lower in patients than in controls (26.33±12.05 vs. 42.66±9.20 respectively, p<0.0001), with 13.30% and 60% being deficient and insufficient, respectively. Serum 25(OH)D levels were lower with increased disease activity (p=0.03) and frequency of photosensitivity(p=0.02) and photoprotection (p=0.002). Systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) score (OR: 2.72, 95% CI: 1.42–5.18, P=0.002), photosensitivity (OR: 3.6, 95% CI: 1.9–6.8, P<0.01) and photoprotection (OR: 6.7, 95% CI: 2.9–8.8, P<0.001) were significant predictors of 25(OH)D level among SLE cases.ConclusionsLow vitamin D status is prevalent in Egyptian SLE patients despite plentiful exposure to sunlight throughout the year, and its level is negatively correlated to disease activity. Future studies looking at a potential role of vitamin D in the pathophysiology and treatment of SLE are warranted.

Association between low 25-hydroxyvitamin D, insulin resistance and arterial stiffness in nondiabetic women with systemic lupus erythematosus

“…Most of the studies, [15][16][17]36,38,39 but not all, [40][41][42] have reported an inverse correlation between 25(OH)D levels and disease activity. However, we did not find such an association.…”

Hypovitaminosis D in the Middle East and North Africa

“…Lower 25(OH)D levels have also been described in subjects with Systemic Lupus Erythematosis (SLE) and negative correlations reported with several indices of SLE disease activity in patients from Iran, Egypt and Israel 126 , 130 , 136 . Associations with other rheumatologic conditions, musculoskeletal pain and fibromyalgia have also been described in patients from Egypt and Iran 123 , 131 .…”

Bone mineral density reduction in adolescents with systemic erythematosus lupus: association with lack of vitamin D supplementation

“…Previous studies have shown the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in adults and adolescents with SLE [21,[27][28][29][30][31][32][33]. The use of corticosteroids, recommendations to avoid sun exposure, and kidney impairment are risk factors for this deficiency [21].…”