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Neuropediatrics 2004; 35(5): 290-292
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-821035
Short Communication

Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Hypovitaminosis D-Related Myopathy in Immigrant Teenagers

J. J. C. van der Heyden1 , A. Verrips1 , 2 , H. J. ter Laak2 , B. Otten3 , T. Fiselier3
  • 1Department of Paediatric Neurology, University Medical Centre Nijmegen, The Netherlands
  • 2Department of Neurology, Neuromuscular Centre Nijmegen, The Netherlands
  • 3Department of Paediatrics, University Medical Centre Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Further Information

Publication History

Received: September 5, 2003

Accepted after Revision: May 2, 2004

Publication Date:
14 July 2004 (online)

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Abstract

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency resulting in a limb-girdle muscle weakness was diagnosed in three veiled immigrant teenage girls.

Patients: Three girls had a progressive muscle weakness and pain during a period varying from 6 months to two years. On examination limb girdle muscle weakness, predominantly of the lower extremities, without other neurological abnormalities was found. Serum examination showed a decreased level of vitamin D and phosphate and an increased alkaline phosphatase, and in two girls decreased calcium and increased parathyroid hormone levels were found. After supplementation with vitamin D, the pain subsided and muscle strength increased within weeks. Serum examination of the female relatives revealed eight persons with hypovitaminosis D, without any complaints.

Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency can result in a limb-girdle myopathy in veiled immigrant teenagers in the Netherlands. Vitamin D supplementation leads to rapid recovery of the muscle strength. The female relatives of these patients should be examined too.

Key words

Myopathy - vitamin D - immigrant - veiled

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M. D. J. C. van der Heyden

Department of Paediatric Neurology
University Medical Centre Nijmegen

P.O. Box 9101

6500 HB Nijmegen

The Netherlands

Email: J.vanderHeyden@cukz.umcn.nl

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