Chronic musculoskeletal pain in females as a manifestation of vitamin D deficiency in Saudi Arabia

Objective: To determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among females presenting with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Methods: One hundred female patients with chronic pain were screened between January 2007 and November 2008 in the medical out-patient clinics in King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah. Serum (25- hydroxycholecalciferol) and bone chemistry levels were done. Vitamin D deficient patients were identified, treated with supplements, and followed for improvement of symptoms.

Results: 84% were vitamin D deficient. Of that group, 67% were of childbearing age, and 50% were noted to have a severe deficiency. Only 14% were hypocalcaemic, 8% had hypophosphatemia, while 13% had high alkaline phosphatase levels. All responded after vitamin D and calcium supplement therapy was initiated, and symptoms improved.

Conclusions: Consideration of vitamin D deficiency during consultations for chronic musculoskeletal pain is warranted. Screening of such patients should be standard practice in clinical care. Diagnosis is missed or delayed if 25- hydroxycholecalciferol levels are not evaluated. Treatment is beneficial and improvement is rapid.

Key-words:

Vitamin D deficiency - hypovitaminosis D - musculoskeletal pain - Saudi Arabia

Publication History

Received: 15 March 2010

Accepted: 03 July 2010

Article published online:
23 May 2022