This study aimed to investigate the status of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and its association with metabolic syndrome (MS) and different MS components among premenopausal women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in China.

Altogether 113 premenopausal women with SLE and the age-matched healthy cohorts were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Clinical manifestations and laboratory data including serum 25(OH)D concentration were collected. A multivariable analysis was performed to analyze the association of 25(OH)D with MS and its components.

The prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency (25(OH)D < 20 ng/ml) and MS were common (24.8% and 30.1%, respectively) in premenopausal patients with SLE in China. Analysis of the association between 25(OH)D, MS and its components demonstrated that the lower level of 25(OH)D was associated with increased MS prevalence (OR = 0.920, p = 0.012), a decreased level of high-density lipoprotein (OR = 1.059, p = 0.033) and a higher level of fasting glucose (OR = 0.810, p = 0.004). These associations were still detectible after adjustment for age, body mass index and SLE-related variables.

The level of 25(OH)D is associated with MS and its components in premenopausal women with SLE.