ASSOCIATION OF “HYPOVITAMINOSIS D” WITH PERSISTENT NON-SPECIFIC MUSCULOSKELETAL PAINS

Hypovitaminosis D And Non-Specific Musculoskeletal Pains

Abstract

Objective: The study was conducted in Pakistani population to find association of vitamin D deficiency with
persistent non-specific musculoskeletal pains by comparing with pain free controls.
Study Design: Case control study.
Material and Methods: Patients aged 12 years or more presenting to Medical OPD with persistent nonspecific musculoskeletal pains for more than 3 months were selected as cases, while healthy individuals served as controls
Results: A total of 60 cases (patients with persistent non-specific pains) presenting to medical outpatients
department at Military Hospital Rawalpindi and 60 controls were studied. Mean age of cases was 43.9 ± 14.0 years and amongst controls were 33.2 ± 17.8 years. Mean serum vitamin D level of 32.8 nmol/L was reported in cases whereas mean serum vitamin D level amongst controls was 26.7 ± 17.8 nmol/L. Hypovitaminosis D amongst cases and controls was 86.6% and 95% respectively. The proportion of vitamin D deficiency did not differ significantly as compared to controls. There was non-significant difference in proportion of deficiency amongst cases and controls.
Conclusion: Overall there was no association between persistent non-specific musculoskeletal pains and vitamin D deficiency.