Association between the occurrence of growing pains and vitamin-D deficiency in Indian children aged 3-12 years

Introduction: Growing pains (GP) is a well-recognized entity in children aged 3-12 years. Its diagnosis is based on Peterson criteria. The exact aetiology of GP is not known; however, some studies have linked GP and vitamin-D deficiency.

Objective: To find out the association between occurrence of GP and vitamin-D deficiency (VDD) in Indian children aged 3-12 years.

Method: Children presenting with GP, fulfilling Peterson criteria, were enrolled in the study group, along with an equal number of age and sex matched healthy controls. Analysis of serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin-D [25(OH)D] levels were done. The results of cases and controls were compared; those children found to have VDD were supplemented with Vitamin-D and response in pain was noted after one month.

Results: Forty five children each were enrolled in the GP and control group. Prevalence of VDD in GP group was (41/45) 91.1% and in control group (26/45) 57.8% [p-value 0.001, RR=7.490; 95%, CI=2.290-24.496]. The mean value of serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase in GP group were 9.50 mg%, 5.15 mg%, 271 IU/L; while in the control group they were 8.84 mg%, 4.72 mg%, 216.2 IU/L respectively. At one month follow-up of GP group, (31/45) 68.9% became asymptomatic while remaining 14 children showed improvement in symptoms. 

Conclusions: Children (3-12 years) presenting with GP are more likely to have VDD compared to children without growing pains.

Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2018; 47(4): 306-310