Vitamin D Levels are Associated with Disease Activity and Damage Accrual in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients

Vitamin D has immunosuppressive properties and is considered a therapeutic option, although there is controversy about the role of this vitamin in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency and their potential association with disease activity, damage accrual, SLE-related clinical manifestations, and cardiovascular risk factors in SLE patients. A cross-sectional study of 264 patients was conducted (89.4% females; mean age 46.7 ± 12.9 years). The SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI-2 K) and the SDI Damage Index were used to assess disease activity and disease-related damage, respectively. The mean 25(OH)D value was 25.1 ± 13.0 ng/ml. Eleven patients (4.2%) had 25(OH)D