Calcium–phosphate metabolism in patients with multiple sclerosis

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the concentration of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and parameters of calcium–phosphate metabolism at different periods of relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five patients, residents of Poland (49°–50°, N), were enrolled in the study, i.e. 15 immediately after the diagnosis of RRMS, 15 at the early stage and 15 at the advanced stage of RRMS. The results were compared to values obtained in 20 age- and sex-matched controls. RESULTS: Lower serum concentrations of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and ionised calcium were found in patients compared to the control group. In patients with the disease duration of 5–6 years, concentrations of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and ionised calcium were lower than in patients in the earlier period of RRMS. The inverse and clearer direction of changes was found in parathormone serum concentration in patients compared to the controls. In patients with a longer disease duration, a significantly lower 25-hydroxycholecalciferol concentration was found in female patients compared to male patients. In patients, more frequent 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and unsaturated fatty acids’ supplementation was observed compared to the controls. CONCLUSIONS: In RRMS patients, calcium–phosphate metabolism is disturbed which increases during disease progression.