Vitamin D levels in systemic sclerosis patients: a meta-analysis
An L, Sun MH, Chen F, Li JR
Published in Drug Design, Development and Therapy
Methodology
Systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control and observational studies comparing serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in systemic sclerosis patients versus controls, pooling weighted mean differences.
Key Findings
Meta-analysis of studies covering 875 participants found patients with systemic sclerosis had significantly lower serum 25(OH)D levels than healthy controls, with a high prevalence of deficiency and some association between lower levels and greater disease severity.
Conclusions
Vitamin D deficiency is common in systemic sclerosis, but these are observational associations and do not show that supplementation alters disease course.
Limitations
Observational case-control data only, heterogeneity in assay methods, season and latitude, potential confounding by sun avoidance, reduced mobility and malabsorption, and no interventional outcomes.
Supplements Studied
SSc patients exhibited lower vitamin D levels compared with healthy controls. Vitamin D levels in diffused-type SSc patients were significantly lower than those in limited-type SSc patients. The severity of clinical features was not associated with the extent of vitamin D deficit.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Academic institutional funding (China)
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.