AB0294 VITAMIN D LEVEL AND LOCOMOTIVE FUNCTIONS IN WOMEN WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Abstract

BackgroundMuscle health is an important aspect of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A decrease in muscle mass and physical performance is a frequent complication of RA that contributes to inability to work and reduced quality of life. Vitamin D deficiency is also common in these patients.ObjectivesTo assess the relationship between vitamin D level, muscle strength and physical performance in RA patients.Methods135 women (mean age 58.5±8.9) with confirmed RA according to ACR/EULAR criteria (2010) were enrolled in the study. Muscle strength of upper extremities was measured using a mechanical dynamometer, of lower extremities – using “Chair stand test” (CST) – assessment of the ability to rise from a chair and sit back down 5 times. Handgrip strength 16 kg and less or CST for more than 15 seconds were the criteria for low muscle strength. All patients underwent “Gate speed test” (GST) and “Timed Up and Go test” (TUG) to assess the physical performance. Serum level 25 (OH)D was performed using the Cobas E411 immunochemiluminescence analyzer and Elecsys Vitamin D total kit, Roche.ResultsMedian 25(OH)D level was 23.7 [18.2; 30.7] ng/ml in RA women with minimum 7.9 ng/ml and maximum 70.0 ng/ml.Insufficiency and deficiency of vitamin D were detected in 56 (41,5%) and 42 (31,1%) women, respectively, with median level 24.1 [21.8; 26.6] ng/ml in the patients with insufficiency and 15.6 [13.6; 17.9] ng/ml – in deficiency group.Vitamin D level was compared between patients with low muscle strength and/or physical performance and women with normal locomotive functions (Table 1). 25(OH)D level was significantly higher in RA women with normal CST and GST >0,8 m/s than in patients with the worst results of these tests. At the same time, we didn’t find differences in handgrip strength and TUG depending on vitamin D level.Table 1.25(ОН)D in women with RA according to locomotive functionsTest25(ОН)DрCST≤15 seconds26,7 [20,4; 32,2]0,036>15 seconds21,0 [17,9; 25,1]GST>0,8 m/s26,1 [19,6; 32,0]0,043≤0,8 m/s21,1 [17,0; 26,8]Handgrip strength≥16 kg23,8 [17,8; 30,2]>0,05<16 kg27,7 [19,5; 32,2]TUG<20 seconds23,7 [17,9; 30,1]>0,05≥20 seconds18,8 [18,1; 21,0]ConclusionThe frequency of low vitamin D level was 72,6% in women with RA including deficiency in 31,1% patients. Patients with reduced lower limb strength and low walking speed had significantly lower vitamin D levels, but there were no differences in 25(OH)D and other tests (handgrip strength and TUG).Disclosure of InterestsNone declared