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Significant association among growing pains, vitamin D supplementation, and bone mineral status: results from a pilot cohort study

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Abstract

The aim of our study was to analyze the possible relationship between growing pains, vitamin D levels, and bone mineral status. We enrolled 33 children affected by growing pains. Their pain intensity was evaluated through a questionnaire using the Wong–Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale for pain assessment. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and alkaline phosphatase levels were measured as well. A quantitative ultrasound assessment (QUS) was also done, measuring both the amplitude-dependent speed of sound (AD-SOS) and the bone transmission time (BTT), correlating, respectively, with bone density and with cortical thickness. After 3 and 24 months of vitamin D supplementation, we re-evaluated pain intensity and laboratory results. After 24 months we re-assessed QUS parameters. At the beginning of the study the children reported a mean growing pain intensity of 7.5 ± 1.6 SD. The mean values of 25-OH-D and PTH levels were 15.7 ± 6.9 ng/ml and 57.3 ± 27.3 pg/ml, respectively. The AD-SOS Z score was −0.53 ± 1.19 SD, and the mean value of the BTT Z score was −0.72 ± 0.96 SD. After the first 3 months of vitamin D supplementation we observed an increase in 25-OH-D levels (34.1 ± 17.8, p < 0.001) and a reduction in both PTH levels (47.3 ± 30.6, p = 0.135) and pain intensity (2.7 ± 2.2, p < 0.001). After 24 months we observed a further significant reduction in the pain intensity (3.9 ± 3.4, p < 0.001) and in PTH levels (43.7 ± 28.5, p = 0.004) and an improvement in the QUS parameters, in particular in BTT Z scores (p = 0.014). Our study suggests an interesting relationship between growing pains, vitamin D levels and bone mineral status.

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Conflict of interest

We declare no conflict of interest in relation to this paper, and we report no sources of funding.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Life and Reproduction Sciences, Pediatric Clinic, Giambattista Rossi Hospital, University of Verona, Piazzale Ludovico Antonio Scuro, 10, 37134, Verona, Italy

    Grazia Morandi, E. Maines, C. Piona, M. Sandri, R. Gaudino, A. Boner & F. Antoniazzi

  2. Complex Operative Unit of Pediatrics, Azienda Unita Locale Socio Sanitaria N. 21-Via Carlo Gianella, 37045, Legnago, Verona, Italy

    E. Monti

  3. Clinica Pediatrica, Policlinico G.B. Rossi, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, Verona, Italy

    Grazia Morandi

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  1. Grazia Morandi
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  2. E. Maines
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  3. C. Piona
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  7. A. Boner
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Correspondence to Grazia Morandi.

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Morandi, G., Maines, E., Piona, C. et al. Significant association among growing pains, vitamin D supplementation, and bone mineral status: results from a pilot cohort study. J Bone Miner Metab 33, 201–206 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00774-014-0579-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00774-014-0579-5

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