A case-control study: evaluation of vitamin D metabolism in patients with vitiligo

Abstract

Background/aim: Reduced vitamin D is considered as one of the environmental factors that can increase the prevalence of certain autoimmune diseases. This study aimed to assess vitamin D metabolism in patients with vitiligo. Materials and methods: A prospective case-control study was conducted on 44 consecutive patients with vitiligo vulgaris and 43 healthy controls. Their plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), parathormone (PTH), calcium, magnesium, and phosphate levels were measured. Results: There was no significant difference in the mean age, sex and Fitzpatrick skin phototype between the patient and control groups (P > 0.05). The plasma levels of 25(OH)D and calcium were significantly decreased (P = 0.002, P < 0.0001, respectively) and PTH and magnesium levels were significantly increased in patients with vitiligo (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, respectively). The advancement of age (P = 0.03, R = -0.18) and comorbid autoimmune illnesses (P = 0.04) were found to be significantly associated with lower 25(OH)D levels. Conclusion: There is a universal lack of 25(OH)D in the Turkish population. Screening for vitamin D may be a tool for the presence of comorbid autoimmune diseases. Further studies are needed to understand the role of vitamin D metabolism in the pathogenesis of vitiligo.