Abstract
Objectives: was to assess the frequency of hypovitaminosis D in patients with ankylosing
spondylitis (AS) compared to healthy controls and to evaluate its association with disease
activity, structural damage and bone mineral density (BMD). Methods: Serum 25(OH) D in 30
AS male patients was compared to 30 matched healthy controls. AS disease activity was
assessed using AS Disease Activity Score and C - reactive protein (ASDAS-CRP). Bath AS
Functional Index (BASFI) and Bath AS Metrology Index (BASMI) were used to assess the
functional impairment and the spinal mobility respectively. Radiological damage was scored
according to modified Stoke AS Spine Score (mSASSS) and BMD was measured in the lumbar
spine and femoral neck. Results: The mean serum 25(OH)D levels in AS patients were
significantly lower compared to healthy controls (27.73 ± 14.27 vs. 38.46 ± 8.11ng/ml, P
Hypovitaminosis D in Ankylosing Spondylitis
2