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| Year : 2010 | Volume
: 2
| Issue : 5 | Page : 205-209 |
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Chronic musculoskeletal pain in females as a manifestation of vitamin D deficiency in Saudi Arabia
Aisha M Siddiqui
Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, P.O. Box 80215, Jeddah 21589, KSA
Correspondence Address:
Aisha M Siddiqui
Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, P.O. Box 80215, Jeddah 21589
KSA
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/1947-489X.211000
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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.
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