Low Vitamin D Serum Levels in a Cohort of Myasthenia Gravis Patients in Argentina
Justo ME, et al
Published in Photochemistry and Photobiology
Methodology
Observational cohort study measuring serum 25(OH)D in patients with myasthenia gravis compared with controls, correlating levels with clinical severity scores and treatment.
Key Findings
In 91 Argentinian patients with myasthenia gravis, mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was significantly lower than in controls and vitamin D deficiency was highly prevalent; lower levels were associated with greater disease severity and with corticosteroid use.
Conclusions
Vitamin D deficiency is common in myasthenia gravis and tracks with disease severity, but this observational design cannot show whether deficiency contributes to disease or results from reduced activity and steroid treatment.
Limitations
Cross-sectional observational study with modest sample and no supplementation arm, latitude and seasonal variation only partly controlled, reverse causation likely given reduced sun exposure and corticosteroid effects on vitamin D metabolism.
Supplements Studied
Patients are more likely to have nonsufficient levels of vitD compared to healthy people and patients with more severe disease have lower levels of vitD.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Academic institutional funding (Argentina)
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.