Relationship Between Vitamin D and Rheumatoid Arthritis Activity

Abstract

Objectives: Deficiency of vitamin D has been involved in the pathogenesis of many auto-immune diseases, as diabetes mellitus type 1 and multiple sclerosis. Reduction of the intake of vitamin D has been associated with high susceptibility of the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and also with increased disease activity in patients with RA. The objective of this study was to evaluate the status of vitamin D in patients with RA, assess the correlation between serum level of vitamin D and disease activity and its association to the pathogenesis of RA. Methods: 60 female patients with RA, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] levels, Para-thyroid hormone levels, Creactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were measured. Disease activity was evaluated by calculating the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28). A control group (n=30), matched for age, was evaluated as well. Results: There is a significant decrease in the mean vitamin D serum levels in RA patients compared to control group (F test, p 0.031). We did not find any correlation between DAS28 score and vitamin D levels in controls (p=0.871), low active RA patients (p=0.722) and high active RA patients (P=0.428). Conclusion: No association was found between vitamin D and disease activity. However, the deficiency of vitamin D may have a negative impact on bone health in patients in the course of the disease. Vitamin D supplementation may be needed to prevent the osteoporosis and for the relief of pain in patients with RA.