Changes in vitamin D levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: Effects on fatigue, disease activity, and damage

Objective To analyze whether changes in serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels affect activity, irreversible organ damage, and fatigue in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods We performed an observational study of 80 patients with SLE included in a previous cross‐sectional study of 25(OH)D, reassessed 2 years later. Oral vitamin D3 was recommended in those with low baseline 25(OH)D levels. The relationship between changes in 25(OH)D levels from baseline and changes in fatigue (measured by a 0–10 visual analog scale [VAS]), SLE activity (measured by the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index [SLEDAI]), and irreversible organ damage (measured by the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index [SDI]) were analyzed. Results Sixty patients took vitamin D3. Mean 25(OH)D levels increased among all treated patients (P = 0.044), in those with baseline vitamin D levels