Musculoskeletal Pain and Vitamin D Deficiency in Children: A Pilot Follow-up Study of Vitamin D Therapy in Musculoskeletal/Orthopedic Conditions
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Published on: December 9, 2015
Z Blagojevic1, V Nikolic, D Kisic-Tepavcevic
1Institute for Orthopedic Surgery "Banjica", Belgrade, Serbia.
Insights
Vitamin D therapy may reduce pain and improve daily functioning in children with musculoskeletal conditions and vitamin D deficiency. This pilot study suggests benefits for pain, mobility, and fatigue in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Nutritional Science
- Pain Management
Background:
- Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in children.
- Musculoskeletal/orthopedic conditions often involve chronic pain.
- Vitamin D's role in pediatric musculoskeletal health requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze associations between vitamin D therapy and pain, mobility, fatigue, and daily functioning.
- To evaluate the impact of vitamin D supplementation in children with musculoskeletal disorders and vitamin D deficiency.
- To assess outcomes in pediatric patients experiencing chronic pain.
Main Methods:
- A 6-month prospective study involving children with musculoskeletal/orthopedic conditions and vitamin D deficiency.
- Vitamin D supplementation was administered over the study period.
- Self- and parent/proxy rating scales assessed pain, movement, fatigue, and daily functioning.
Main Results:
- Significant decrease in worst pain intensity post-vitamin D therapy (p ≤ 0.03).
- Improved functioning related to pain (p ≤ 0.01) reported by children.
- Children reported enhanced movement, balance, and reduced fatigue; parents noted improved daily functioning.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin D therapy may reduce pain and improve mobility and daily functioning in pediatric patients.
- The study indicates potential benefits for children with chronic pain and vitamin D deficiency.
- Further randomized studies are needed to confirm clinical recommendations.
Purpose Of The Study:
The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in pediatric populations is high. In the present study we analyzed associations between vitamin D therapy and pain, mobility, fatigue, and daily functioning in children with musculoskeletal/orthopedic conditions suffering from chronic and recurrent pain, but also diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency.
Material And Methods:
Children with different musculoskeletal/orthopedic conditions and vitamin D deficiency were prescribed to receive vitamin D over 6 months. Thirty-five children (18 males; age 10.48 ± 3.87 years) completed a 6-month follow-up. Self- and parent/proxy rating scales were used to evaluate pain, movement, fatigue, and daily functioning.
Results:
At a six-month follow-up assessment involving child- and parent-reported scores, worst pain intensity significantly decreased (p ≤ 0.03) after vitamin D therapy, as well as functioning problems related to pain (p ≤ 0.01). The children reported better movement and balance with less fatigue. The parents reported better functioning in everyday activities of their children.
Conclusion:
This pilot study showed that vitamin D therapy possibly reduces pain intensity and improves mobility and daily functioning in children with musculoskeletal/orthopedic disorders, chronic recurrent pain, and vitamin D deficiency. Further follow-up and randomized studies are required in order to assess the validity of clinical recommendations.
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