Vitamin D Levels and Visual System Measurements in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: A Cross-sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Ophthalmology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Vitamin D deficiency is linked to increased disease activity in multiple sclerosis (MS).
• The specific role of vitamin D in progressive MS (PPMS and SPMS) remains unclear.
• Understanding this relationship is crucial for managing MS progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between vitamin D levels and visual parameters in patients with primary progressive MS (PPMS) and secondary progressive MS (SPMS).
• To determine if vitamin D status influences key visual markers in progressive MS.

Main Methods:

• Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25[OH]D3) levels were analyzed from the SPRINT-MS trial.
• Visual function was assessed using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and low-contrast visual acuity tests.
• Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation and generalized linear mixed models.

Main Results:

• The study included 258 patients with progressive MS; mean vitamin D levels were sufficient and similar between PPMS and SPMS groups.
• No significant association was found between 25(OH)D3 levels and visual markers such as retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, macular volume, or ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer.
• Low-contrast visual acuity also showed no statistically significant correlation with vitamin D levels in either progressive MS subgroup.

Conclusions:

• Vitamin D levels are not associated with optical coherence tomography findings in patients with progressive MS.
• There is no detectable link between vitamin D status and low-contrast letter acuity in individuals with PPMS or SPMS.
• Further research may be needed to explore other potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets in progressive MS.