EVALUATION OF VITAMIN D LEVEL IN SERUM OF PATIENTS WITH VITILIGO.

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Endocrinology
• Immunology

Background:

• Vitamin D deficiency is linked to various chronic diseases, including autoimmune disorders.
• Vitamin D receptors are present in melanocytes, suggesting a role in skin physiology.
• Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition affecting melanocytes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare serum vitamin D levels between vitiligo patients and healthy controls.
• To investigate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in vitiligo patients.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted with 50 vitiligo patients and 50 healthy controls in Iraq.
• Serum vitamin D levels were measured and categorized as normal, insufficient, or deficient.
• Statistical analyses included Chi-squared and unpaired t-tests.

Main Results:

• Mean serum vitamin D levels were significantly lower in vitiligo patients (15.08±8.29 ng/ml) than in controls (20.17±9.05 ng/ml).
• The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency was significantly higher in vitiligo patients.
• These differences were statistically significant (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

• Vitamin D levels are generally insufficient in the Iraqi population, particularly in vitiligo patients.
• An association between low vitamin D levels and vitiligo is suggested.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms and potential therapeutic use of vitamin D in vitiligo treatment.