Vitamin D status and disability among patients with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Endocrinology
• Immunology

Background:

• The relationship between serum vitamin D levels and multiple sclerosis (MS) patient disability is complex, with prior research yielding inconsistent findings.
• Understanding this association is crucial for potential therapeutic strategies in MS management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively synthesize the existing evidence on the correlation between 25(OH) vitamin D concentrations and disability levels in patients with multiple sclerosis.
• To investigate potential moderating factors such as MS type and patient age.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted using MeSH and non-MeSH terms for MS, disability, and vitamin D.
• Data from 14 eligible studies were extracted and analyzed using a random-effects model meta-analysis in Stata v.11.
• Meta-regression and sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the impact of study characteristics and individual study contributions, with Egger's test used to detect publication bias.

Main Results:

• A significant negative correlation was found between serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels and disability in MS patients (r = -0.29; 95% CI: -0.40, -0.17).
• The correlation was more pronounced in female patients (r = -0.35; 95% CI: -0.46, -0.24).
• Studies involving male patients did not yield significant results, and the effect of MS type and age was explored via meta-regression.

Conclusions:

• This meta-analysis demonstrates a significant inverse relationship between 25(OH) vitamin D levels and disability in multiple sclerosis patients.
• Increased levels of 25(OH) vitamin D are associated with reduced disability, suggesting a potential role for vitamin D in mitigating MS progression.
• Further research may be warranted to explore sex-specific effects and optimal vitamin D supplementation strategies for MS patients.