Clinical Aspects of Vitamin D Deficiency in Multiple Sclerosis

Year 2020, , 105 - 112, 29.10.2020

Elif Nalan Tolgay Meral Seferoglu , Özlem Taşkapılıoğlu Ömer Faruk Turan

https://doi.org/10.46310/tjim.771364

Abstract

Introduction:
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a multifactorial, immune-mediated disorder that occurs in genetically predisposed people. Vitamin D might be an important environmental factor in the development and prevention of MS disease. We aimed to investigate the role of vitamin D in MS disease activity.

Material and Methods:
The study was designed as a prospective study. Thirty-two patients and 15 healthy subjects were included. Variables were MS disease duration, number of relapses, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, serum vitamin D levels, assessments through neuropsychological tests relevant to depression, cognition, anxiety and fatigue.

Results:
The mean age of the subjects was 32.6±6.9 years. A significant positive correlation was found between the vitamin D level during relapse and remission. A statistically significant difference was found between the patients in relapse and controls in serum vitamin D levels (p=0.002). A statistically significant difference was found between the patients in relapse and patients in remission, in serum vitamin D concentrations (p<0.001). Statistically significant differences were found between the patients in relapse and controls in MMSE, Beck Depression Inventory, Benedict's Cognition Test, Fatigue Severity Scale, PASAT, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scores (p=0.01, p<0.001, p=0.01, p<0.001, p=0.007, p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively).

Conclusion:
Vitamin D in association with other therapies may prevent the progression of MS-related disabilities and the relapses in RRMS. Vitamin D levels may have effects on the symptoms (depression, anxiety, cognitive deterioration, and fatigue) which are frequently seen in the course of MS.

Keywords

Multiple Sclerosis, Vitamin D, Cognition,, Disability, Psychiatric comorbidity

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