Serum vitamin D level in patients with primary fibromyalgia

Background Fibromyalgia syndrome is characterized by fatigue, general pain and sleep disorder. Studies found that fibromyalgia patients are more exposed to vitamin D deficiency and that supplementation may be an effective treatment. Aim To evaluate the vitamin D level in individuals with primary fibromyalgia and its correlation with the clinical, functional, and psychological status of these patients and to evaluate the impact of vitamin D therapy on these individuals. Patients and methods The study included 30 patients diagnosed with primary fibromyalgia, in addition to 15 healthy volunteers matched in age and sex. Serum vitamin D level was evaluated in all participants. The participants were allocated into two groups based on levels of serum vitamin D. Group 1 included 21 patients with reduced levels and group 2 included nine patients with normal levels. All patients received pregabalin and tricyclic antidepressants plus a weekly dosage of 50 000 IU vitamin D for group 1 for 2 months. Results Vitamin D was deficient in 70% of patients and in 13.3% of control groups. A substantial variation existed among groups 1 and 2 before treatment in all scales and the fibromyalgia impact questionnaire and visual analog scale scales only after treatment ( P =0.009 and 0.005, respectively). A substantial association existed among serum level of vitamin D and visual analog scale, fibromyalgia impact questionnaire scales before and after treatment in group 1. While there was no significant correlation in group 2. Conclusion Vitamin D supplementation may be an effective fibromyalgia therapeutic approach.