Background:
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects multiple systems and is associated with an inflammatory status. The aim of our study is to estimate the serum level of vitamin D and bone mineral density (BMD) in SLE patients and their relation to disease activity.
Patients and methods:
Ninety SLE patients, fulfilling the updated American College of Rheumatology criteria 2012 and 60 age-matched and sex-matched controls were included in this study. The level of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D3) and dual-energy radiograph absorptiometry were done for patients and controls.
Results:
There was significant difference between systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) score and vitamin D ( <0.02). There were significant difference ( <0.01) between SLE and control with BMD of total lumbar (L1–L4) and total hip and highly significant difference ( <0.001) with neck of the femur, Ward's angle of the femur, trochanter of the femur, and the radius. There was significant difference (<0.05) between SLE and control groups regarding T score of lumbar spine (L1–L4) ( <0.03), neck of the femur (<0.01), and total hip bone ( <0.02). Our results showed that there was significant difference between SLEDAI score and T score of neck of the femur ( <0.02) and radius bone ( <0.012), while there was no significant difference between SLEDAI score and T score of total hip, lumbar spine (L1–L4), Ward's angle of the femur, and the trochanter of the femur.
Conclusion:
Vitamin D deficiency and low BMD are common in SLE patients. There was significant difference between SLE patients and control group regarding vitamin D, BMD, and T score at different sites.