S1198 The Role of Country of Origin and Socioeconomic Status in the Prevalence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the Netherlands

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D (VD) is well known for its role in calcium homeostasis and bone integrity. However, there is also mounting evidence that VD possesses a wide range of immunomodulatory properties. Epidemiological and experimental evidence implicates VD insufficiency in the risk of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Expert consensus suggests VD insufficiency exists at serum 25-hydroxyvitaminD (25-OHD) levels 40ng/ mL. AIM: To determine VD status in Crohn's Disease (CD) patients and identify associations with patient and disease characteristics. METHODS: Prospective data was collected on CD outpatients (n=215) in a tertiary IBD centre (UK) over November-April and May-October for 2 years (2008 and 2009). Clinical disease activity was determined by the attending physician as Active or In Remission, based on clinical disease activity indices and clinical judgement. RESULTS: Mean serum 25-OHD did not differ significantly with sex or age. Mean 25-OHD depended on ethnic origin (White-European 31.1 ng/mL, Indian subcontinent 21.4 ng/mL; p 40ng/mL) even in lighter months: 18% (May-Oct) and 5% (Nov-Apr). Mean 25-OHD did not differ significantly between clinically active disease and remission (28 and 27.2 ng/mL respectively). Disease duration, distribution, history of recent ( 40ng/mL); 2) VD status varies significantly with season; 3) VD status does not differ significantly between clinically active disease and remission; 4) Ethnic origin affects 25 OHD status; 5) VD status is not affected by surgical resection, duration or distribution of disease. Further observational and therapeutic studies are needed to determine the role of VD in pathogenesis and treatment of CD. However, there is emerging evidence which increasingly supports the merit of measuring and optimizing VD status in patients with CD.