Subclinical carotid atherosclerosis and vitamin D in patients with ankylosing spondylitis

Abstract

AimTo clarify the associations between carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and level of 25(OH)D3.MethodIn this analysis, sixty-three male patients who had been diagnosed with AS and 47 male controls were evaluated. In measuring disease activ-ity of AS, the Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI), the Bath ankylosing spondylitis metrological index (BASMI), and the Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index (BASFI) scores were used. Serum lipid levels were measured. CIMT was measured with ultrasonography. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as 25(OH)D3 vitamin levels ≤ 15 ng/ml.ResultsThe mean ages of the patients and healthy controls were 39.93+9.7 and 40.55+9.7 years respectively. Serum 25(OH)D3 levels were found to be sig-nificantly lower in AS patients as compared to the control group (p=0.034). CIMT measurements were found to be higher in the AS group than in the con-trol group, but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.081). CIMT measurements and age (r=0.655, p<0.001), BMI (r=0.270, p=0.033), disease duration (r=0.683, p<0.001), BASMI (r=0.409, p=0.001), BASFI (r=0.266, p=0.035), and total cholesterol levels (r=0.290, p=0.021) were found to be positively correlated. High density lipoprotein levels were also determined to be significantly lower in patients with AS levels of 25(OH)D3≤15ng/ml compared to those with levels of 25(OH)D3>15ng/ml (p=0.001).ConclusionThis study showed that CIMT was associated with functional and mobility limitations in patients with AS. Also, because vitamin D level was related to high density lipoprotein levels, it may indirectly affect atherosclerosis.

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