Investigation of Relationship Between Lumbar Modic Changes and Serum Vitamin D Concentrations

Abstract

Introduction: There is limited and inconsistent data on the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and Modic changes (MCs). Also, which type of MCs is associated with vitamin D is not clear. Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory effects, while type 1 MCs has inflammatory nature. Accordingly, patients with type 1 may have lower vitamin D levels than those with type 2 MCs. This study aimed to com pare type 1 and type 2 MCs for serum vitamin D concentrations. Materials and Methods: Between May 2019 and July 2020, a total of 53 patients with type 1 or type 2 MCs were included in this study. Patients’ demographics were recorded, and back pain severity was assessed by using visual analog scale. Serum levels of vitamin D were measured as total 25-hydroxy vitamin D. Accordingly, serum levels of vitamin D (µg/L) are graded as deficient (<20), insufficient (20-30), and sufficient (30-80). Results: Type 1 MCs (n=26) and type 2 MCs (n=27) groups were similar in age (p=0.199), gender, BMI, work status, pain duration, vitamin D concentration, degree of vitamin D deficiency (p=0.773), and spinal levels. Type 1 MCs patients had more painful low back than type 2 MCs patients. Conclusion: Type 1 MCs are similar to type 2 MCs for serum vitamin D concentration. The more painful low back of type 1 MCs may be related to its inflammatory nature, but may not be associated with vitamin D insufficiency. © 2024, Yuzuncu Yil Universitesi Tip Fakultesi. All rights reserved.