Body Mass Index in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Relation to Disease Activity, Bone Mineral Density And Vitamin D Level

El-Sherbiny, Dalia A.; El-Badawy, Mohja A.; Elmahdi, Amira R.

doi:10.21608/ejhm.2021.137953

Body Mass Index in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Relation to Disease Activity, Bone Mineral Density And Vitamin D Level

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

10.21608/ejhm.2021.137953

Abstract

Background: High incidence of obesity has been reported in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). However, the relationship between obesity and SLE is still unclear. Studies reported low vitamin D levels and bone mineral density (BMD) in SLE patients. Moreover, vitamin D plays a vital role in the pathogenesis and complication of SLE.
Objective: To investigate the link between increased body mass index (BMI), disease activity, BMD, and vitamin D level in SLE patients .
Patients and Methods:120 SLE patients were classified according to BMI into three groups, normal BMI (<25 kg/m2), overweight (25–29.9 kg/m2), and obese (>30 kg/m2). Laboratory investigations were done, assessment of disease activity by the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), measuring the serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D 25(OH) D were assessed.
Results: 30% were overweight, and 45% were obese. Overweight and Obese patients had lower 25(OH) D levels and a high prevalence of osteoporosis in comparison to patients with normal BMI. SLEDAI score was positively correlated to BMI and negatively correlated with 25(OH) D and BMD.
Conclusion: Increased BMI is common in SLE and is independently associated with higher disease activity, osteoporotic rates, and lower 25 (OH) vitamin D levels. These findings are associated with important clinical implications, which suggests that weight control may be a potential target for improving SLE outcome.

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