Abstract

VITAMIN D STATUS AND STATIN-INDUCED MYOPATHY

Dr. Sushma B. J.* and Dr. Shrikant Chandrakar

ABSTRACT

Background: Recently there is evidence regarding association between increased cardiovascular events and low levels of vitamin D. The effects of statins which are well known to have cardiovascular protective effects, on vitamin D is one of these research topics attracting interest lately. However, the findings of the studies examining the influence of different stains on vitamin D levels are controversial. Low serum 25 (OH) vitamin D levels have been associated with myositis. Myalgia, the most common statin-related complaint, may affect 10–15% of patients on statins and affect patient compliance. Objectives: To estimate vitamin D and Creatine kinase levels in patients on statins with or without myopathy and to determine if low plasma vitamin D level is a risk factor for muscle-related adverse events in statin users. Materials and Methods: A study was carried out for a period of 6 months from January 2015 to June 2015. The patients were selected from Azeezia Medical College and Hospital. The study was carried out in statin users. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria vitamin D levels in about 120 statin users with and without myalgia was estimated and compared. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in gender distribution, serum vitamin D level, or prevalence of traditional coronary risk factors. Additionally, no significant differences were found in serum vitamin D levels between patients with and without myalgia (26.3 ± 7.7 vs. 28.9 ± 11.0 ng/ml, P = 0.31) or with and without CK elevation. Discussion & Conclusion: The present study shows that there is no apparent relationship between serum vitamin D level and risk of myopathy in statin treated adults. These results were consistent for both men and women and for each side effect separately.

Keywords: Vitamin D deficiency, Statins, Statin-induced myopathy, Creatine kinase.