Title:Hypovitaminosis D in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis: Frequency and Consequences

VOLUME: 17 ISSUE: 4

Author(s):Gehan Elolemy*, Waleed Hassan, Mohamed Nasr and Eman Baraka

Affiliation:Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Radiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha

Keywords:Ankylosing spondylitis, disease activity, radiographic damage, vitamin D, bone mineral density, osteoporosis.

Abstract:

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the frequency of hypovitaminosis D in patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) compared to healthy controls and evaluate its association with disease activity, structural damage and Bone Mineral Density (BMD).

Methods: Serum 25(OH) D in 30 AS male patients was compared to 30 matched healthy controls. AS disease activity was assessed using AS Disease Activity Score and C - reactive protein (ASDAS- CRP). Bath AS Functional Index (BASFI) and Bath AS Metrology Index (BASMI) were used to assess the functional impairment and the spinal mobility, respectively. Radiological damage was scored according to modified Stoke AS Spine Score (mSASSS) and BMD was measured in the lumbar spine and femoral neck.

Results: The mean serum 25(OH)D levels in AS patients were significantly lower compared to healthy controls (27.73 ± 14.27 vs. 38.46 ± 8.11ng/ml, P Conclusion: Hypovitaminosis D is prevalent among AS patients and is associated with increased risk of active disease, impaired function, radiographic severity and bone mineral loss. Future studies with a larger sample size are recommended to assess the impact of vitamin D deficiency on radiological progression in AS and to address whether or not vitamin D supplementation will help control the active disease.