Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 is associated with disease status in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders in south China

Abstract

Here, we investigated the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25[OH]D3) levels and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Patients with NMOSD had lower 25(OH)D3 levels than healthy people, with lower levels in patients in the acute phase than those in remission. An inverse correlation was found between 25(OH)D3 and Expanded Disability Status Scale scores of patients during attacks. Higher serum 25(OH)D3 levels were associated with greater amelioration of symptoms during corticosteroid therapy. These results indicate that decreased vitamin D may be involved in NMOSD pathogenesis, and that 25(OH)D3 serum levels may reflect the severity of NMOSD in the acute phase.