Subscribe
Rickets
Rickets is a deficiency in vitamin D.
Rickets, also known as vitamin D deficiency rickets, is primarily caused by insufficient vitamin D leading to abnormalities in calcium and phosphorus metabolism in the body. This results in the failure of calcium and phosphorus to deposit normally in the bone-forming areas, leading to incomplete mineralization of the bone tissues of the growth muscles, manifesting as a chronic nutritional disease characterized by skeletal abnormalities. The main causes are improper feeding methods, the addition of cod liver oil, residential environment, outdoor activity time, repeated respiratory infections, maternal calcium deficiency during pregnancy, and the season of birth. It is generally recommended for mothers to supplement appropriate amounts of vitamin D and calcium during pregnancy. After birth, babies should regularly supplement vitamin D and receive adequate sunlight, as insufficient ultraviolet light is one of the main causes of vitamin D deficiency. Lack of outdoor activities, primarily staying indoors, or having ultraviolet light blocked by dust, smoke, clothing, or ordinary glass can all lead to vitamin D absorption problems. Therefore, it is advised for children to have appropriate outdoor activities to prevent the onset of rickets.
Rickets is a deficiency in what element?
Rickets is a chronic, systemic nutritional disease closely related to lifestyle, caused by a deficiency of vitamin D levels leading to abnormal calcium and phosphorus metabolism in the body. This condition prevents calcium salts from being properly deposited in the growing parts of the skeleton, resulting in incomplete mineralization of the bone tissue during growth and characteristic skeletal deformities. The primary biochemical manifestation of the disease is a decrease in vitamin D levels in the body, particularly a significant reduction in 125-dihydroxyvitamin D3 levels. Gradually, there may also be a decrease in calcium and phosphorus levels in the body and sometimes abnormal parathyroid hormone activity. Generally, rickets is primarily caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, so it is important to timely supplement vitamin D, take appropriate sunbaths, and supplement with calcium as needed based on the situation.
What is the fundamental difference between rickets and tetany?
Rickets is a type of vitamin D deficiency disease, primarily caused by insufficient vitamin D in infants, children, or adolescents, leading to disorders in calcium and phosphorus metabolism. It is a chronic nutritional disease characterized by skeletal lesions, mainly manifesting as changes in the fastest growing parts of the skeleton, such as square skull, pigeon chest, funnel chest, bow legs, and knock knees, among other symptoms. On the other hand, tetany is primarily due to hypocalcemia and its manifestations differ; it does not exhibit the skeletal changes seen in rickets but primarily presents as spasms or cramps in the hands and feet. Thus, this constitutes their fundamental difference.
Is cod liver oil useful for rickets?
Cod liver oil is very effective in preventing rickets because its main components are vitamin D and vitamin A. If babies take cod liver oil, it can help promote the body's absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Cod liver oil not only prevents rickets but also promotes the growth and development of children, prevents delayed bone development, and avoids issues such as incomplete teeth. It can greatly help babies grow up healthy and happy. (The use of medication should be conducted under the guidance of a professional doctor.)
How to correct skeletal deformities in rickets?
The treatment of skeletal deformities due to rickets primarily targets the underlying disease, utilizing high doses of vitamin D supplementation. Mild skeletal deformities can recover spontaneously after treatment or correct themselves during a child's growth. The deformed or painful areas must be immobilized until the medication takes significant effect, which could take weeks or months. For moderate cases of bowlegs or knock-knees, small splints can be used for nighttime immobilization, and massage can be used for correction. For severe cases of bowlegs or knock-knees, patients can wear specially made orthopedic shoes. Permanent deformities may be corrected later through osteotomy.
Rickets are more commonly seen at a few months old.
Rickets often presents with square skull in babies older than 8 to 9 months. A normal baby’s skull is round and without angles. The square skull seen in rickets is due to a calcium deficiency in the bones, leading to poor development of cartilage and inability for bone deposition and calcification. This results in a large amount of osteoid deposition under the periosteum of the frontal, parietal, and occipital bones, thus forming angular shapes and a squared skull. Besides square skull, rickets can also manifest as various other skeletal abnormalities at different ages, including "ping pong ball" skull, funnel chest, pigeon chest, bracelet sign, rosary sign, X-shaped legs, and O-shaped legs.
How to determine if a baby has rickets
The diagnosis of rickets in infants should rely on the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in the blood and the examination of the long bones through X-rays imaging, rather than early symptoms. However, due to the young age of infants, it is recommended to supplement vitamin D within two weeks after birth. If the supplementation is not timely, some early clinical manifestations may appear occasionally, such as brachycephaly, bowed legs, and pigeon chest in infants. Additionally, there may be abnormalities in the nervous system, such as unstable sleep, easily startled and crying, and increased excitability. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the condition through the aforementioned tests and then proceed with symptomatic treatment.
What should I do about the skull protrusion caused by rickets?
When children suffer from rickets with noticeable cranial protrusions and abnormal skeletal changes, it is crucial to timely supplement based on the specific needs of the child for trace elements like calcium, as well as vitamin D. Supplementation of vitamin D and trace elements such as calcium, combined with daily activities like sun exposure, are advisable. Additionally, integrating diet changes by consuming foods rich in calcium supports calcium and vitamin D absorption. Consequently, the cranial protrusions can gradually alleviate or disappear. As supplementation continues and the child ages, the shape of the skull may also change accordingly. In daily life, it is important to prevent skeletal abnormalities in children due to calcium and vitamin D deficiencies by making timely adjustments. (Note: The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)
Can rickets be cured?
Rickets is a type of disease caused by a lack of vitamin D, leading to disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism in the body, and resulting in abnormal bone development. The most common form of this disease is nutritional rickets caused by a deficiency of vitamin D. This type of rickets is curable as it is a self-limiting disease. Generally, timely supplementation of vitamin D and calcium, along with sufficient outdoor activities, can lead to recovery after treatment. However, there are some special cases, such as severe liver and kidney diseases, which require addressing the root cause before the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can be alleviated. Additionally, there are some genetic diseases for which vitamin D supplementation is ineffective, making their treatment more challenging.
Will the frontal bossing from rickets get better?
Rickets, if presenting with frontal bossing, can recover depending on the specific condition and age of the child. Rickets is often divided into four stages, with sequelae usually occurring after the age of three. Therefore, if symptoms of rickets are present before the age of three, they can be alleviated through supplementation with vitamin D, calcium, and other trace elements. Symptoms of rickets include craniotabes, Harrison's groove, beading of the ribs, pigeon chest, everted ribs, bowlegs, and knock-knees. Frontal bossing is often a manifestation of craniotabes, which usually occurs during infancy. Supplementing with vitamin D during this period can greatly alleviate the condition. At the same time, it is important to also expose the child to sunlight and engage in outdoor activities to promote the bones' absorption of vitamin D and calcium, preventing the recurrence of symptoms.