scholarly journals Vitamin D Status in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Serbia: Correlation with Disease Activity and Clinical Manifestations

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 256-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rada Miskovic ◽  
Aleksandra Plavsic ◽  
Sanvila Raskovic ◽  
Zikica Jovicic ◽  
Jasna Bolpacic

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies indicate potential role of vitamin D as an important factor in the development of many autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Patients with SLE are especially prone to the development of vitamin D deficiency due to the nature of their illness.AIM: The aims of our study were to determine the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in patients with SLE in Serbia, to identify clinical variables associated with vitamin D status and to examine the impact of vitamin D status on disease activity and presence of specific lupus autoantibodies.MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 46 patients with SLE. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was measured by electrohemiluminiscent immunoassay.RESULTS: The mean serum concentration of 25(OH)D was 11.9 ± 7.3 ng/ml. The prevalence of insufficiency was 32.6%, while the prevalence of deficiency was 67.4%. There was no association between vitamin D status and photosensitivity, skin lesions, arthritis and lupus nephritis. Vitamin D status was not associated with the presence of specific autoantibodies. There was no correlation between disease activity assessed by SLEDAI scale with the concentration of 25(OH)D. Patients who used vitamin D supplements and calcium did not have a significantly higher concentration of 25(OH)D.CONCLUSION: In conclusion, vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with SLE.

2020 ◽  
pp. 109980042098359
Author(s):  
María Correa-Rodríguez ◽  
Gabriela Pocovi-Gerardino ◽  
José-Luis Callejas-Rubio ◽  
Raquel Ríos-Fernández ◽  
María Martín-Amada ◽  
...  

Vitamin D has immunosuppressive properties and is considered a therapeutic option, although there is controversy about the role of this vitamin in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency and their potential association with disease activity, damage accrual, SLE-related clinical manifestations, and cardiovascular risk factors in SLE patients. A cross-sectional study of 264 patients was conducted (89.4% females; mean age 46.7 ± 12.9 years). The SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI-2 K) and the SDI Damage Index were used to assess disease activity and disease-related damage, respectively. The mean 25(OH)D value was 25.1 ± 13.0 ng/ml. Eleven patients (4.2%) had 25(OH)D <10 (deficiency) and 178 patients (70.6%) had 25(OH)D <30 (insufficiency). In the 25(OH)D deficiency group, SLEDAI was significantly higher than the insufficiency ( p = 0.001) and normal groups ( p < 0.001). Also, patients with vitamin D deficiency presented significantly higher SDI scores than patients with 25(OH)D insufficiency ( p = 0.033) and 25(OH)D normal levels ( p = 0.029). There is a high prevalence of both vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in Caucasian SLE patients and this status was associated with higher SLEDAI and SDI scores, supporting the impact of vitamin D levels on disease activity and damage accrual in SLE patients. Longitudinal studies on the relationship between vitamin D status and disease activity and progression are therefore required.


2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 226-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandra Nerviani ◽  
Daniele Mauro ◽  
Michele Gilio ◽  
Rosa Daniela Grembiale ◽  
Myles J. Lewis

Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterised by abnormal activation of the immune system, chronic inflammation and organ damage. Lupus patients are more prone to be vitamin D deficient. However, current evidence is not conclusive with regards to the role played by vitamin D in SLE development, progression, and clinical manifestations. Objective: Here, we will summarise the current knowledge about vitamin D deficiency prevalence, risk factors, molecular effects, and potential pathogenic role in SLE. We will focus on the link between vitamin D deficiency and lupus clinical manifestations, and on the clinical trials assessing the effects of vitamin D supplementation in SLE. Method: A detailed literature search was performed exploiting the available databases, using “vitamin D and lupus/SLE” as keywords. The relevant interventional trials published over the last decade have been considered and the results are reported here. Conclusion: Several immune cells express vitamin D receptors. Thus, an immunomodulatory role for vitamin D in lupus is plausible. Numerous observational studies have investigated the relationship between vitamin D levels and clinical/serological manifestations of SLE with contrasting results. Negative correlations between vitamin D levels and disease activity, fatigue, renal and cardiovascular disease, and anti-dsDNA titres have been described but not conclusively accepted. In experimental models of lupus, vitamin D supplementation can improve the disease. Interventional trials have assessed the potential therapeutic value of vitamin D in SLE, but further larger studies are needed.


2016 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. IMI.S40035 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nouran M. Abaza ◽  
Reem M. El-Mallah ◽  
Asmaa Shaaban ◽  
Sameh A. Mobasher ◽  
Khaled F. Al-hassanein ◽  
...  

Background The emerging role of vitamin D in immunology and autoimmune disorders has been a worldwide interest in the last decade. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients are particularly at a delicate position predisposing them to suffer from vitamin D deficiency due to the multiple risk factors accompanying the disease. Whether vitamin D deficiency is also involved as a risk factor for developing SLE and affecting its course is a considerable concern. Objectives The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in SLE patients and its relation to disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our observational cross-sectional study, serum levels of vitamin D [25(OH)D] in 60 SLE patients and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were assessed and estimated for deficiency and insufficiency at 10 and 30 ng/mL, respectively. Disease activity was evaluated by SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI), irreversible organ damage by Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SLICC/ACR DI), and severity by Severity of Disease Index. Fatigue was measured by visual analog scale. Results Significantly lower levels of 25(OH)D were found in SLE patients (17.6 ± 6.9 ng/mL) in comparison to controls (79.0 ± 28.7 ng/mL), with a statistically high significant difference ( t = -11.2, P < 0.001). High prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency was detected as 73.3% and 23.3%, respectively. Vitamin D had a highly significant negative correlation with SLEDAI ( r = -0.495, P < 0.001), SLICC ( r = -0.431, P < 0.05), and fatigue ( r = -0.436, P < 0.05). Conclusion Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were found to be prevalent in SLE patients in our study and related to disease activity and fatigue. If needed, routine screening and consequent repletion of vitamin D are recommended in SLE patients. Restoring adequate vitamin D levels in SLE patients should be more explored as a potential yet simple measure to their usual management to improve their condition.


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