SERUM VITAMIN D LEVELS AND DISEASE ACTIVITY IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS: A LONGITUDINAL COHORT STUDY

Abstract

Objective: The primary objective of this longitudinal cohort study was to investigate the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) over a 12-month period. The study also aimed to determine if vitamin D supplementation strategies could improve remission rates and disease management in RA patients.

Methods: This study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Lahore, Pakistan, with a cohort of 150 RA patients who were monitored over 12 months. Serum vitamin D levels were measured at baseline and subsequently at three, six, and twelve months. Disease activity was assessed using the Disease Activity Score 28 (DAS28) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels at the same intervals. Patients were stratified into two groups: those receiving vitamin D supplementation and those who did not. Data analysis was conducted using regression models to explore the association between vitamin D levels and disease activity, adjusting for confounding factors such as age, sex, disease duration, and comorbidities.

Results: The results demonstrated a significant inverse correlation between serum vitamin D levels and RA disease activity. Patients with higher baseline vitamin D levels exhibited lower DAS28 scores and CRP levels over the 12-month period. Additionally, vitamin D supplementation was associated with improved disease outcomes, including reduced inflammation and pain, particularly in patients with initially low vitamin D levels.

Conclusion: The study concluded that there was a significant association between serum vitamin D levels and disease activity in RA patients. Vitamin D supplementation appeared to offer a beneficial adjunct in reducing disease activity, supporting the notion that addressing vitamin D deficiency may be an effective strategy in the management of rheumatoid arthritis