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Rheumatoid arthritis disease activity and vitamin D deficiency in an A sian resident population
Author(s) -
Quraishi Mohammed K.,
Badsha Humeira
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
international journal of rheumatic diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.795
H-Index - 41
eISSN - 1756-185X
pISSN - 1756-1841
DOI - 10.1111/1756-185x.12209
Subject(s) - medicine , rheumatoid arthritis , disease , arthritis , population , immunology , environmental health
Aim We aimed to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its association with rheumatoid arthritis ( RA ) disease activity in a UAE population. Methods Forty‐five consecutive subjects were prospectively recruited during the early summer with their clinical examination and Health Assessment Questionnaire ( HAQ ) being recorded at a clinic appointment, along with their blood sample being taken for the 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25( OH )D) total test. Results Thirty‐five (76%) patients claimed to be exposed to sunlight for < 30 min daily. The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (20–30 ng/mL) and deficiency (< 20 ng/mL) was 36% and 29%, respectively. RA patients who exposed their hands and feet (29 ng/mL) or more (34 ng/mL) to the sunlight had serum vitamin D levels higher than those who exposed their hands alone (18 ng/mL) or less (19 ng/mL) ( P < 0.05). The variations in vitamin D levels due to skin color did not reach significance. No significant correlation was seen between serum vitamin D levels and Disease Activity Score (DAS28) or HAQ scores. A direct relationship was observed between HAQ scores and DAS28 scores ( P < 0.05). Conclusion We highlight the importance of skin exposure to sunlight in a conservative dressing culture. No association was observed between vitamin D and disease activity. However, the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency may negatively impact on bone health of these patients in the future.