Comparison of vitamin D[3] serum levels in new diagnosed patients with multiple sclerosis versus their healthy relatives

ABSTRACT

Multiple risk factors are introduced for Multiple Sclerosis [MS]. Recent studies have suggested a possible correlation between vitamin D deficiency and an increase risk of MS. This study was therefore undertaken to compare vitamin D levels in new cases of MS and their relatives as healthy controls. Seventy five new diagnosed MS patients and 100 matched healthy controls among their relatives were enrolled in this study. Two groups were matched for gender, age, season in which serum level of vitamin D was checked and region and diet. Serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D was measured, recorded and analyzed. Seventy five patients [57 female and 18 male] and 100 healthy subjects [75 female and 25 male] were enrolled in this study. The mean serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D in case and control groups were 11.31 and 17.9 ng/ml, respectively [P=0.003]. Compared to the healthy subject, serum levels of vitamin D were significantly lower in patients with MS. This difference was only significant in women. Observed difference of vitamin D levels of both groups were significant in summer. This study continues to support the role of vitamin D deficiency in MS