Relationship between unexplained arthralgia and vitamin D deficiency: a case control study

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Endocrinology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Arthralgia frequently presents as a symptom in various rheumatic diseases.
• Vitamin D deficiency is implicated in the progression of skeletal symptoms to established rheumatic conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between vitamin D deficiency and unexplained arthralgia.
• To determine if low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels correlate with increased risk of arthralgia.

Main Methods:

• Prospective selection of patients with arthralgia unrelated to a diagnosed condition presenting at a rheumatology clinic.
• Measurement of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) using ELISA, with deficiency defined as <20 ng/ml.
• Comparison of 25-OHD levels and deficiency rates between patients and controls, with regression analysis to calculate odds ratios (OR).

Main Results:

• The study included 167 patients and 283 controls.
• Patients exhibited lower mean serum 25-OHD levels and a higher proportion of deficiency compared to controls (P=0.001 for both).
• Vitamin D deficiency was associated with a 3.01-fold increased risk of arthralgia (OR=3.01), remaining significant at OR=2.71 after adjusting for age and sex (P=0.001).

Conclusions:

• A significant association exists between vitamin D deficiency and arthralgia.
• Vitamin D deficiency presents a substantial risk factor for developing or exacerbating arthralgia.
• Identification and correction of vitamin D deficiency are warranted in patients presenting with arthralgia.