Abstract
Objective: Osteoporosis (OP) and increased risk of fracture are relevant features in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Low levels of serum vitamin D are frequently reported and correlate with a higher RA activity. This study evaluated factors related with the prescription of vitamin D supplements in RA patients and variables influencing the achievement of adequate vitamin D levels. Methods: Study population was made up by 1168 consecutive RA patients from 22 Italian rheumatology centers. Demographic and clinical variables data were collected and 250H serum vitamin D was measured in all patients. Insufficient serum 250H vitamin D levels were defined as values lower than 20 ng/mL. Results: The majority of patients (56.0%) was not taking vitamin D supplements. Among the 514 supplemented patients, 196 (38.1%) were taking insufficient dosages (≤440 IU/day). Variables related with the prescription of supplements were older age, female sex, previous bone density assessment and OP diagnosis. Among the 318 patients using daily supplements ≥800 IU, 88 patients (27.7%) did not reach adequate levels of vitamin D. In these patients a higher HAQ score (OR for 1 point=1.62, 95% CI: 1.06-2.49; p=0.03) and poor sun exposure (OR=238, 95% CI: 1.05-5.55; p=0..04) were predictors of vitamin D insufficiency. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with RA, even in patients who are regularly using supplements. Vitamin D supplementation is often ineffective even at the recommended dose of 800 IU/day in more disabled patients.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 714-719 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology |
Volume | 30 |
Issue number | 5 |
Publication status | Published - 2012 |
Keywords
- Drug therapy
- Epidemiology
- Osteoporosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Vitamin D
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Immunology and Allergy