Serum Calcium and Vitamin D Levels in Children with Musculoskeletal Chest Pain

Chest pain is the most prevalent reason for referral to pediatric cardiologist. The condition is mainly associated with non-cardiac disorders such as ribs and cartilaginous problems, trauma, muscle elongation, and pulmonary causes. This study was conducted to evaluate the association between low calcium and vitamin D levels and musculoskeletal chest pain in children.

This age and gender matched case-control study, was conducted in 100 children (5-15 years of age) with chest pain and 100 healthy controls in Amir Kabir Hospital, Arak, Iran 2019. Informed consent was obtained from all participants and the levels of calcium and Vitamin D were evaluated. Data analysis was done in SPSS V11.

The mean values for age, height, and weight were not significantly different between the cases and controls. The mean calcium levels in children with chest pain and healthy control were 9.39±0.83 and 9.26±0.6, respectively (P=0.206). The mean levels of Vitamin D in children with chest pain and in healthy controls were 22.51±4.96 and 40.33±9.81, respectively indicating significant differences between the two groups (P=0.002).  The Odds Ratio (OR) of association between vitamin D deficiency and chest pain was 7.63 (95% CI: 3.86-15.23).

The study suggests an association between vitamin D deficiency and chest pain in children, so, evaluation of Vitamin D is needed in children with musculoskeletal chest pain.