Examination of the frequency and level of neuropathic pain in patients with vitamin D deficiency using DN4, lanss pain scale, pai̇ndetect pain questionnaire and mcgi̇ll pain questionnaire short form

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and neuropathic pain and to determine the effects of deficiency on the frequency and severity of neuropathic pain. Method: The study included male and female patients aged 18-79 (300 patients) who applied to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinics of Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine. Serum 25(OH)D levels of the participants were determined using laboratory data, and neuropathic pain was assessed using the DN4, LANSS Pain Scale, PainDETECT Questionnaire, and the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire. Additionally, demographic data, comorbidities, and biochemical parameters of the patients were analyzed. The relationship between vitamin D levels and neuropathic pain was evaluated using logistic regression analyses and ROC curves. Results: Individuals with vitamin D deficiency were found to have significantly higher frequency and severity of neuropathic pain (p<0.001). A significant positive correlation was demonstrated between low vitamin D levels and the scores of DN4, LANSS Pain Scale, PainDETECT Questionnaire, and the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire. ROC analysis showed that vitamin D levels alone are not sufficient as a marker for diagnosing neuropathic pain but may serve as a helpful parameter in clinical evaluation. Conclusion: This study indicates that vitamin D deficiency may be linked to neuropathic pain and could contribute to an increase in its severity. The findings suggest that vitamin D levels should be considered in the management of neuropathic pain. However, larger-scale and randomized controlled studies are needed to more clearly define this relationship and its clinical implications. Keywords: Vitamin D, neuropathic pain, DN4, LANSS Pain Scale, PainDETECT Questionnaire, Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire