Vitamin D Levels in Children with Idiopathic Musculoskeletal Pain

Vitamin D levels were studied in children with idiopathic musculoskeletal pain and compared with healthy controls. Forty five children (5-16 years) with idiopathic musculoskeletal pain (IMSP) were included as cases and an equal number of age and sex matched healthy children as controls. Demographic characteristics and biochemical estimation of Vitamin D, PTH, ALP, S.Ca & P levels were done. Data analysis was done using Chi-squared or Fisher’s exact test as appropriate. Demographic profile of cases and controls were not significantly different. Short duration pain of less than 3 months was seen in 13.3% of cases, while that of more than 6 months in 11.1%. Most common location of pain was the lower limbs (95.1%).Sixty nine percent had single disability while 31 % had multiple. Vitamin D levels were lower in those with multiple site pain. Mean levels of vitamin D in both groups were below the normal range but lower in cases. Moderate and severe vitamin D deficiency was more common in children with IMSP as compared to controls. There was no statistically significant difference in biochemical parameters between the groups. Vitamin D deficiency may be responsible for idiopathic musculoskeletal pain in children.