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Assessment of Vitamin D Deficiency and its Association with Musculoskeletal Pain in Children
Amreen Aijazuddin1, Ramesh Chandra Patidar2, Swati Sharma3
1Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Kings Dental Centre, Al Markhiya, Doha, Qatar.
Insights
Vitamin D deficiency is common in children with chronic musculoskeletal pain, with 60% of participants showing low levels. Low vitamin D significantly correlates with increased pain severity and prevalence.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Endocrinology
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Vitamin D is vital for skeletal growth, bone mineralization, and overall musculoskeletal health in children.
- A concerning increase in childhood vitamin D deficiency has been observed, linked to chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between vitamin D levels and the severity/distribution of nonspecific musculoskeletal pain in children.
- To determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in pediatric patients presenting with musculoskeletal pain.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study enrolled 300 children with musculoskeletal pain over 12 months.
- Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH) D] levels were measured, and pain was assessed using VAS and physical examination.
- Children were classified into vitamin D sufficient, insufficient, or deficient groups.
Main Results:
- 60% of the 300 children studied were vitamin D deficient (mean 25(OH) D: 16.2 ng/mL).
- Children with vitamin D deficiency reported significantly higher pain scores (VAS 6.8) compared to sufficient groups (VAS 3.1).
- Lower limb pain and generalized body aches were more prevalent in children with vitamin D deficiency.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin D deficiency is strongly linked to more severe and widespread musculoskeletal pain in children.
- Implementing early screening and vitamin D supplementation can potentially alleviate pain symptoms and enhance children's quality of life.
Background:
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in skeletal growth, bone mineralization, and musculoskeletal health. A rising trend in vitamin D deficiency among children has raised concerns, particularly with complaints of chronic musculoskeletal pain that may be attributable to suboptimal vitamin D levels.
Materials And Methods:
A cross-sectional observational study was conducted over 12 months in a tertiary pediatric hospital. A total of 300 children presenting with nonspecific musculoskeletal pain were enrolled. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH) D] levels were measured, and musculoskeletal pain was assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and physical examination. Children were categorized into vitamin D sufficient (>30 ng/mL), insufficient (20-30 ng/mL), and deficient (<20 ng/mL) groups. Statistical analysis included ANOVA and chi-square tests.
Results:
Among 300 children, 180 (60%) were vitamin D deficient, 72 (24%) insufficient, and 48 (16%) sufficient. Mean serum 25(OH) D levels were 16.2 ± 4.3 ng/mL in the deficient group and 31.7 ± 3.5 ng/mL in the sufficient group. Children with deficiency reported higher VAS scores (mean: 6.8 ± 1.5) compared to those with sufficient levels (mean: 3.1 ± 1.1, P < 0.001). Lower limb pain (56%) and generalized body aches (43%) were more frequent in the deficient group.
Conclusion:
Vitamin D deficiency is significantly associated with increased severity and widespread distribution of musculoskeletal pain in children. Early screening and supplementation may reduce symptom burden and improve quality of life.
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