To observe the association of vitamin D levels with Cramp-Fasciculation Syndrome (CFS)

CFS, also known as peripheral nerve hyperexcitability syndrome, is a benign condition characterized by persistent cramps and muscle fasciculations in otherwise healthy individuals. On the other hand, vitamin D deficiency is a prevalent abnormality, with 1 billion people worldwide suffering from deficiency/insufficiency. There have been conflicting reports regarding an association between the two conditions and a lack of extensive direct studies that examine their relationship. This study aims at uncovering a potential correlation between vitamin D levels and CFS through a retrospective investigation.

A retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with cramps within the last 7 years was done. Demographic, laboratory, and EMG data within 1 year of the diagnosis were recorded. Vitamin D values were determined to be either deficient, insufficient, or normal. EMG findings were reported as either positive or negative, positive indicating confirmed or suggestive of CFS Chi-squared tests and two-sample t-tests were done to assess the associations of vitamin D values with demographic information and EMG findings.

117 patients with a diagnosis of CFS were included. 54(46%) were female, 75(64%) were White and 33(28%) Black, and the mean age was 54.8(range 20 to 89). 40(34%) had VitD<=20 and 77(66%) were >20. 47(40%) had positive EMG findings. There was no difference in the rate of positive EMG findings between patients with VitD<=20 vs >20(43% vs 39%, p=0.711). Patients with VitD>20 were more likely to be White than patients with VitD<=20(76% vs 51%, p=0.006). There were no other significant demographic associations with VitD levels or EMG findings.

This study found that vitamin D insufficiency has no association with CFS. However, vitamin D insufficiency was seen more in African Americans compared to Caucasians as reported before. Retrospective design and small sample size are limitations to our study.