ROLE OF ANEMIA AND VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY IN PREDICTING AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE ONSET: A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the research is to find out the role of role of anemia and vitamin D deficiency in predicting autoimmune disease onset

Study Design: A Prospective Cohort Study

Study Duration: 06 months from Nov 2023 – April  2024

Study Place: Jinnah Hospital Lahore

Methods: A prospective cohort study including 420 adults was carried out, without prior autoimmune disease to evaluate anemia and vitamin D deficiency as predictors of autoimmune disease development. Participants underwent baseline and periodic clinical and laboratory assessments, with outcomes analyzed using multivariate statistical methods. SPSS 26 was used and p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: a total of 420 participants were enrolled and 400 completed study. Mean age was 42.6 ± 11.8 years. Females were 58%, and anemia was detected in 34.5% and vitamin D deficiency was present in 53%. 15.5% develop autoimmune disease. Rheumatoid arthritis was most prevalent followed by autoimmune thyroid disease, SLE and others. 32.6% anemics develop autoimmune disease, while 6.9% non anemic develop autoimmune disease. 26.85 with vitamin D deficiency develop autoimmune diseases. 41.8% were those who have anemia and vitamin D deficiency combined.

Conclusion: Anemia and vitamin D deficiency are strong and independent predictors of the onset of autoimmune disease. They can be employed as an indicator of immune dysregulation before the development of clinical disease. Hence early detection and treatment can be proved fruitful in management.