Multiple Sclerosis
Conditions
Keywords
EDSS, MS
Brief summary
Vitamin D is hypothesized to play a role in the immunopathology and progression of multiple sclerosis (MS), yet its association with neurological disability remains uncertain, particularly in North African populations.We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 369 adult MS patients across two tertiary neurology centers in Western Libya. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D \[25(OH)D\] levels and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores were collected. Pearson correlation, ANOVA, and multivariable linear regression were used to assess associations between vitamin D and disability, adjusting for age, BMI, disease duration, and physical activity. Missing data and outliers were handled systematically using validated R and Python workflows.
Interventions
None listed
Sponsors
University of Zintan
Study design
Observational model
CASE_ONLY
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 70 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Libyan nationals. * aged 18 years or older. * diagnosis of MS based on the 2017 revised McDonald criteria. * capable of providing informed consent. * had complete clinical, demographic, and biochemical data.
Exclusion criteria
* presence of other neurological disorders that could mimic MS (e.g., neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder or Lyme disease). * missing or incomplete medical records. * pregnancy or lactation. * extreme psychiatric or cognitive impairment.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| EDSS | 24 months | interaction between levels of Vit D and EDSS |
| Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D | 24 months | levels of Vit D |
Countries
Libya
Outcome results
None listed