The relationship between vitamin D deficiencies and life quality of FMS patients

Abstract

Abstract Aim: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic musculoskeletal system disease characterized by widespread pain. Nonspecific skeletal pain can also be seen in patients with vitamin D deficiency. The association between low levels of vitamin D and nonspecific musculoskeletal pain, including FMS, is controversial. The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between vitamin D deficiencies and disease activity, life quality of FMS patients. Materials and Methods: Patients with Fibromyalgia (FMS) classified according to American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. 25-OH vitamin D levels below 20 ng/ml were accepted as vitamin D deficiency. Study groups classified as first group; patient with isolated FMS (n:36), second group; isolated vitamin D deficiency (n:41) and third group was FMS in together with vitamin D deficiency (n:70). Pain level was measured by the visual analog scale (VAS). Functional and life quality assessments were determined by using Short Form Heath Survey 36 (SF-36) and Fibromyalgia Impact Index (FIQ). Results: In isolated FMS group, vitamin D level was found higher than other two groups (p>0.05). At the assessment of quality of life, VAS and FIQ scores in FMS group were significantly higher than ones found in vitamin D deficiency group (p<0.001). In terms of SF-36 subgroups, scores were much worse in vitamin D deficiency and FMS than isolated FMS group. However, some of subgroups reached statistically significance. Negative and moderate correlation was detected between vitamin D level and FIQ scores. Conclusion: Vitamin D level should be kept in mind as one of the factors negatively affecting quality of life in FMS. More extensive studies should be conducted to clarify this subject. Keywords: Fibromyalgia; Vitamin D; Disease Activity; life quality.