Inflammatory activity and vitamin D levels in an MS population treated with rituximab

BACKGROUND: Most multiple sclerosis patients on disease-modifying treatment at Umeå University Hospital are treated with rituximab and the prevalence of vitamin D supplementation has increased over time. Follow-up studies of these off-label treatments are needed. OBJECTIVE: To study inflammatory activity and adverse effects in rituximab-treated multiple sclerosis patients, and associations with 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels. METHODS: Retrospectively collected data on repeated estimates of relapses, disability, side effects, magnetic resonance imaging, laboratory measures including 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels and self-perceived health. RESULTS: In 272 multiple sclerosis patients with a mean follow-up of 43 months, we identified seven possible relapses during active rituximab treatment. On magnetic resonance imaging examination, new T2 lesions were seen in 1.3% (10 out of 792 scans), and 0.25% (two out of 785 scans) showed contrast enhancement. Adjusted 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels in samples drawn close to all magnetic resonance images with new T2 lesions were lower compared to the remainder (62 vs. 81 nmol/l; P = 0.030). Levels of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D were associated with self-perceived health (r = 0.18, P = 0.041, n = 130) and C-reactive protein (r = –0.13, P = 0.042) but not with the risk of side effects. CONCLUSION: The inflammatory activity in this rituximab-treated multiple sclerosis population that increasingly used vitamin D supplementation was extremely low. Higher 25-hydroxy-vitamin D levels were associated with beneficial outcomes.