Decreased serum vitamin B12 and vitamin D levels affect sleep quality in children with familial Mediterranean fever

Rheumatol Int. 2018 Jan;38(1):83-87. doi: 10.1007/s00296-017-3883-2. Epub 2017 Nov 15.

Abstract

Familial Mediterranean fever is an autoinflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent fever and serositis. We aimed to describe serum vitamin B12 and vitamin D levels and their correlation with self-reported sleep quality of pediatric FMF patients. Sixty-three children with FMF were enrolled to the study. Information on sleep quality was obtained using self-administration of Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The patients were divided into subgroups depending on vitamin D serum concentrations: ≥ 20 and < 20 ng/ml. We also grouped patients according to their serum B12 concentration: ≥ 200, < 200 pg/ml. B12 levels were not correlated with PSQI scores, whereas significant correlation was found between vitamin D and total PSQI scores and daytime sleepiness. Total PSQI score, sleep disorders and daytime sleepiness sub-scores were statistically high in patients with serum D vitamin levels below 20 ng/ml. Sleep efficiency was found lower in patients with serum B12 levels below 200 pg/ml. B12 may have a positive role on effective sleep. More importantly, we suggest that vitamin D is protective against sleep disorders and poor sleep, it may also improve daytime activities.

Keywords: 25 Hydroxycholecalciferol; Children; Familial Mediterranean fever; Sleep; Vitamin B12.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Familial Mediterranean Fever / blood*
  • Familial Mediterranean Fever / complications
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Sleep / physiology*
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / blood*
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / complications
  • Vitamin B 12 / blood*
  • Vitamin D / blood*

Substances

  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin B 12