Background/Purpose: Vitamin D deficiency has become pandemic in the industrializing societies. Recently, the role of vitamin D deficiency in the development of statin myopathy has started to be discussed. The purpose of this study is to compare the serum vitamin D levels and objective muscle strength measures in males with or without myalgia who were under statin treatment.

Methods : Seventeen patients (mean age: 49,1± 7,9) with a diagnosis of statin induced myalgia and 23 patients  (mean age: 50,6± 9,0) without myalgia were included in this study. The patients in the two groups  were matched according to age, level of physical activity and sunlight exposure. After a detailed physical examination, serum 25-OH vitamin D levels were measured. The patients with myalgia were asked to complete a 10 cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and McGill–Melzack Pain Questionnaire. The measurement of grip strength were performed using Jamar type hydraulic hand dynamometer, and isometric/isokinetic measurements of the biceps and quadriceps muscles were performed using Biodex System 3 device.

Results :  Statin dosages (mg) were: 19,1±16,7 (myalgia) and 17,0±7,7(without myalgia) (p value: 0,639) and durations (month) were: 32,9±28,4 (myalgia) and 40,4±39,4 (without myalgia (p value: 0,606).There was no significant difference in the mean values of vitamin D levels in both groups (myalgia: 34,8 ng/mL,  without myalgia:31,9 ng/mL). In general, the patients with statin induced myalgia had an intermittant pain in the proximal parts of their extremities. They declared that the pain was induced by activity or exercise and reduced with rest. The mean VAS score was determined as 4.0 cm (min:1.3, max:8.4). No statistically significant correlations were found between the vitamin D levels and any of the pain parameters in the myalgia group (p>0,05).  Furthermore, the measurement with the hand dynamometer and the isometric and isokinetic muscular strength analyses for both groups were found to be similar except for the biceps isokinetic 120º TT/VA.

Conclusion : The male patients with or without statin induced myalgia have similar serum vitamin D levels and muscle strength. Thus, it seems like vitamin D deficiency might not be a risk factor for the development of statin induced myalgia.