Vitamin D Deficiency in Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease
Author Information
Author(s): Zold Eva, Szodoray Peter, Gaal Janos, Kappelmayer János, Csathy Laszlo, Gyimesi Edit, Zeher Margit, Szegedi Gyula, Bodolay Edit
Primary Institution: University of Debrecen
Hypothesis
The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in patients with undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD).
Conclusion
Vitamin D deficiency in UCTD patients may play a role in the subsequent progression into well-defined connective tissue diseases.
Supporting Evidence
- Plasma levels of 25(OH)D3 in UCTD patients were significantly lower compared with controls in both summer and winter.
- 41.6% of UCTD patients had vitamin D insufficiency during summer, and 54.3% during winter.
- Patients who progressed to well-established connective tissue disease had lower vitamin D levels than those who remained in the UCTD stage.
Takeaway
This study found that many patients with a certain type of autoimmune disease have low levels of vitamin D, which might make their condition worse.
Methodology
Plasma 25(OH)D3 levels were measured in 161 UCTD patients during summer and winter, and clinical symptoms and autoantibody profiles were assessed.
Limitations
The study did not include patients with defined connective tissue diseases or those receiving vitamin D supplements.
Participant Demographics
The study involved 161 patients (154 women and 7 men) with a mean age of 44.91 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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