Lupus & antiphospholipid syndrome
25-Hydroxyvitamin D levels are associated with mortality and cardiovascular events in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors' conclusion
An initial 25(OH)D level <20 ng/mL was associated with increased mortality and cardiovascular events (but not stroke) in SLE.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the Hopkins Lupus Cohort, 25(OH)D measured quarterly since 2009
- Participants
- 1,768 patients11,302 person-years
- Exposure
- Baseline 25D <20 ng/mL vs 30-39 ng/mL
- Outcome
- Mortality and cardiovascular events (stroke, MI, angina/bypass)
Methodological detailsHopkins Lupus Cohort, prospective and lifetime analyses, adjusted for age, sex, race and BMI
- Hopkins Lupus Cohort
- Prospective and lifetime analyses
- Adjusted for age, sex, race and BMI
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Each group vs 30-39 ng/mLEstimate (95% CI)P value
<20 ng/mL
HR (death) 2.05(1.19–3.54)
P = 0.0095<20 ng/mL
HR (cardiovascular events) 2.98(1.30–6.85)
P = 0.010Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Myocardial infarction alone (prospective analysis)
- Risk of myocardial infarction alone not statistically significant
- HR 1.90, P = .30
Angina/bypass (prospective analysis)
- Risk of angina/bypass elevated
- HR 3.53, 95% CI: 1.13-11.0, P = .030
Lifetime analysis
- Lifetime analysis suggested these associations, with a U-shaped pattern for MI risk
Original publication
25-Hydroxyvitamin D levels are associated with mortality and cardiovascular events in systemic lupus erythematosus. Ann Rheum Dis. Published 11 November 2025. doi:10.
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