Hypovitaminosis D Status in Newly Diagnosed Cases of MS versus Control Group

Background: Hypovitaminosis D is amongst those strongly suggested risk factors for multiple sclerosis (MS). Although the association of vitamin D deficiency with MS has been established in several studies in recent years, there are not many studies to assess and compare the degree of Hypovitaminosis D status of newly diagnosed patients with multiple sclerosis versus control group worldwide, especially in UAE. Objective: To compare and observe the state of Hypovitaminosis D in newly diagnosed cases of multiple sclerosis versus control group and to determine presence of any significant association. Methods: In this retrospective study, 30 cases of newly diagnosed multiple sclerosis were randomly selected and matched for age and sex with 30 controls. Demographics and serum vitamin D level for both groups were evaluated. Appropriate statistical analysis was performed to show any significant association. Results: An independent-samples t-test was conducted. There was a significant difference in Vitamin D level for MS (Mean=37.08, SD=17.63) and control group (Mean=58.103, SD=21.5323); p<0.05. Conclusion: Findings of this study suggest: 1. There is significant association between vitamin D deficiency and Multiple Sclerosis 2. Hypovitaminosis D may be a contributing factor in lowering the mean age of MS diagnosis. We propose early evaluation for vitamin D insufficiency in cases of MS and emphasis on restoring serum vitamin D to satisfactory levels as part of clinical management of MS. It would be worthwhile doing a large randomized trial to establish the safety and efficacy needed to promote large-scale vitamin D supplementation.