|
|
|
|
|
|
RICKETS
Osteomalacia (pronounced /ˌɑstioməˈleɪʃiə/), known as rickets (taken from the Greek word ῥάχις - rhákis) in children, refers to a softening of the bone. It is most commonly caused by dietary vitamin D deficiency.
Although it can occur in adults, the majority of cases occur in children with poor nutrient intake usually resulting from famine or starvation during early stages of childhood.
Causes
Because calcium is an essential nutrient which aids in bone rigidity, the lack of it being absorbed into the body causes fragile or malformed bones, which are unable to support the weight of a growing body.
Dietary vitamin D deficiency
Rickets is a severe and prolonged vitamin D deficiency that leads to softening and weakening of the bones in children. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphate, which children need to build strong bones.
Osteomalacia is a disorder most commonly caused by vitamin D deficiency. This results in insufficient calcium uptake by bones in developing children.
Other causes
In addition to inadequate vitamin D in the diet, other causes of rickets include:
Presentation
Signs and symptoms of rickets include:
Rickets causes bone pain, slowed growth in children, dental problems, muscle loss and increased risk of fractures (easily broken bones). Medical problems seen in children with rickets are:
- Skeletal deformity,
- Growth disturbance,
- Hypocalcaemia (low level of calcium in the blood), and
- Tetany (uncontrolled muscle spasms all over the body).
The X-ray, or radiograph, in the article is the classic image of advanced rickets sufferers: bow legs (outward curve of long bone of the legs) and a deformed chest. Changes in the skull also occur causing a distinctive "square headed" appearance. These deformities persist into adult life.
Diagnosis
A doctor may diagnose rickets by:
- Blood tests to measure calcium and phosphorus levels
- X-rays of affected bones
Treatment and prevention
Diet and sunlight
Treatment involves increasing dietary intake of calcium, phosphates and vitamin D. Exposure to sunshine, cod liver oil, halibut-liver oil, and viosterol are all sources of vitamin D.
A sufficient amount of sunlight each day and adequate supplies of calcium and phosphorus in the diet can prevent rickets. Darker-skinned babies need to be exposed longer to the ultraviolet rays. The replacement of vitamin D may correct rickets using these methods of ultraviolet light and medicine.
Recommendations are for 200 international units (IU) of vitamin D a day for infants and children. Children who do not get adequate amounts of vitamin D are at increased risk of rickets.
Good sources of dietary vitamin D are vitamin D-fortified formulas and milk.
Supplementation
Sufficient vitamin D levels can also be achieved through dietary supplementation. Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is the preferred form since it is more readily absorbed than vitamin D2. Most dermatologists recommend vitamin D supplementation as an alternative to unprotected ultraviolet exposure due to the increased risk of skin cancer associated with sun exposure.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), infants who are breast-fed may not get enough vitamin D from breast milk alone. For this reason, the AAP recommends that infants who are exclusively breast-fed receive daily supplements of vitamin D from age 2 months until they start drinking at least 17 ounces of vitamin D-fortified milk or formula a day.
External links
|
|
|
|
|
|
|