The Relationship Between Vitamin D Serum Levels and Rheumatoid Arthritis Activity in a Sample of Syrian Patients- a cross-sectional observational study

Abstract

Background. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a systemic auto immune disease that mainly affects joints. It might cause functional disability and increased morbidity and mortality.Vitamin D was reported to have an immunomodulation role in reducing the inflammation process in many auto immune diseases; RA is one of them.The aim was to determine the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and rheumatoid arthritis activity in a sample of Syrian patients.Methods This cross-sectional observational study was carried out in Al-Mouwasat and Al-Assad University Hospitals(Damascus University - Syria). RA patients were diagnosed according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and the European League Against Rheumatism(EULAR)classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritis 2010 standards.Results Vitamin D was significantly higher in RA patients in remission (27.92 ± 13 ng/ml) than in patients with active RA (21.22 ± 13 ng/ml). There was an inverse relationship between serum vitamin D levels and RA activity.Conclusion Serum vitamin D levels were inversely correlated with RA activity in a sample of Syrian RA patients.