[Musculoskeletal chronic pains and Vitamin D deficiency. Study before after in general practice]

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the correction of vitamin D deficiency (defined by a rate≤50 nmol/l) on the pain, fatigue and quality of life.

Methods: A pragmatic prospective study was conducted in Rhone-Alpes area, in general practices between February 1 and April 30, 2009. All patients aged 18 to 50 years consulting for diffuse musculoskeletal pain and/or chronic unexplained fatigue, with the only abnormality deficient serum vitamin D were enrolled in this study. They might agree to complete questionnaires on quality of life, pain assessment and control their vitamin D levels after treatment.

Results: Forty-nine complete records were analyzed. The deficiency was severe (mean 26 nmol/l). High doses of vitamin were necessary to correct deficiency, between 400,000 to 600,000 units. The correction of vitamin D deficiency resulted in a significant decrease in the level of pain intensity according to verbal rating scale (P=0.034) and the Digital Scale (P<0.001), consumption of analgesics (P=0.002) and discomfort in carrying out activities of daily living following: the shopping, cleaning, walking for more than a kilometer (P<0.001) and dressing (P=0.012).

Conclusion: The correction has had a positive impact both physical, mental and social activities. Non-specific musculoskeletal pain or unexplained asthenia are common in primary care. Make a dosage of vitamin D and correct deficits is a necessity before performing complex and expensive examinations.