Normalization of Plasma 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Is Associated with Reduced Risk of Surgery in Crohn’s Disease

Abstract

Introduction Vitamin D may have an immunological role in Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Retrospective studies suggested a weak association between vitamin D status and disease activity but have significant limitations.

Methods Using a multi-institution inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) cohort, we identified all CD and UC patients who had at least one measured plasma 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D]. Plasma 25(OH)D was considered sufficient at levels ≥ 30ng/mL. Logistic regression models adjusting for potential confounders were used to identify impact of measured plasma 25(OH)D on subsequent risk of IBD-related surgery or hospitalization. In a subset of patients where multiple measures of 25(OH)D were available, we examined impact of normalization of vitamin D status on study outcomes.

Results Our study included 3,217 patients (55% CD, mean age 49 yrs). The median lowest plasma 25(OH)D was 26ng/ml (IQR 17–35ng/ml). In CD, on multivariable analysis, plasma 25(OH)D < 20ng/ml was associated with an increased risk of surgery (OR 1.76 (1.24 – 2.51) and IBD-related hospitalization (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.59 – 2.68) compared to those with 25(OH)D ≥ 30ng/ml. Similar estimates were also seen for UC. Furthermore, CD patients who had initial levels < 30ng/ml but subsequently normalized their 25(OH)D had a reduced likelihood of surgery (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.32 – 0.98) compared to those who remained deficient.

Conclusion Low plasma 25(OH)D is associated with increased risk of surgery and hospitalizations in both CD and UC and normalization of 25(OH)D status is associated with a reduction in the risk of CD-related surgery.