Affiliation:
1. Department of Rheumatology Ajou University School of Medicine Suwon Korea
2. Department of Molecular Science and Technology Ajou University Suwon Korea
Abstract
AbstractBackgroundSeasonal variation and sunlight exposure can impact serum vitamin D levels, potentially influencing lupus symptoms. We investigated seasonal vitamin D levels and their correlation with clinical manifestations and disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsSerum 25(OH) vitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) levels were categorised as deficient (25(OH)D3 < 10 ng/mL), insufficient (10–30 ng/mL) and sufficiency (>30 ng/mL) in participants analysed in winter (n = 407) and summer (n = 377). Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the impact of vitamin D levels on achieving a lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS), stratified by season.ResultsThe mean serum 25(OH)D3 levels differed significantly between the winter and summer measurement groups (22.4 vs. 24.2 ng/mL; p = .018). The prevalences of vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency and sufficiency in the winter group were 12.8%, 66.6% and 20.6%, respectively, compared with 4.5%, 67.9% and 27.6% in the summer group. Achieving LLDAS was highest in the vitamin D sufficiency group (winter: 56.6%, summer: 55%) and lowest in the vitamin D deficiency group (winter: 15.4%, summer: 13.6%), with significant differences (all p < .001). Multivariate analysis identified SLE disease activity index ≤4, normal anti‐double‐stranded DNA and vitamin D sufficiency as significant factors for achieving LLDAS in both seasons.ConclusionsSufficient vitamin D levels are important for achieving LLDAS in patients with SLE during winter and summer. Therefore, physicians should pay attention to the adequacy of vitamin D levels and consider recommending vitamin D supplementation for patients with vitamin D insufficiency.
Funder
Korea Health Industry Development Institute
Subject
Clinical Biochemistry,Biochemistry,General Medicine