Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 is associated with disease status in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders in south China

Here, we investigated the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D-3 (25[OH]D-3) levels and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Patients with NMOSD had lower 25(OH)D-3 levels than healthy people, with lower levels in patients in the acute phase than those in remission. An inverse correlation was found between 25(OH)D-3 and Expanded Disability Status Scale scores of patients during attacks. Higher serum 25(OH)D-3 levels were associated with greater amelioration of symptoms during corticosteroid therapy. These results indicate that decreased vitamin D may be involved in NMOSD pathogenesis, and that 25(OH)D-3 serum levels may reflect the severity of NMOSD in the acute phase. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.