RESEARCH- Increasing 25(OH)D levels may reduce lupus-related fatigue

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Increasing 25(OH)D Levels May Reduce Lupus-Related Fatigue

Medscape

Laurie Barclay, MD

August 26, 2010 — Increasing 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels may

reduce fatigue in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) but

not SLE severity, according to the results of an observational study

reported in the August issue of Arthritis Care Research.

" [A]n increased risk for autoimmune diseases, including type 1

diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and

[sLE], in relation to low vitamin D levels and/or intake, has been

reported, " write Guillermo Ruiz-Irastorza, MD, PhD, from Hospital De

Cruces, Barakaldo, and University of the Basque Country, Bizkaia,

Spain, and colleagues. " In the case of lupus, vitamin D deficiency has

been advocated as one of the causes explaining the increased

prevalence and severity of SLE among African Americans. However, the

relationship between vitamin D levels and the clinical course of SLE

is still controversial. "

The study goal was to determine whether changes in serum 25(OH)D

levels affect activity, irreversible organ damage, and fatigue in

patients with SLE.

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Read the full article here:

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/727533

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