How to diagnose rickets?

Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

Updated on September 01, 2024

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Rickets is caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, which leads to abnormal calcium and phosphorus metabolism, and thus abnormal bone development. Generally, rickets requires biochemical blood tests and vitamin D level assessments, followed by skeletal X-ray examinations. However, some cases of rickets are caused by other special reasons, such as abnormalities in liver and kidney functions, and there may also be congenital genetic diseases. Therefore, rickets also requires further related examinations, such as liver function tests, kidney function tests, and parathyroid hormone tests, and even some genetic level examinations might be conducted.

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Written by Quan Xiang Mei

Pediatrics

1min 6sec

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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.)

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Written by Liu Li

Pediatrics

43sec

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What foods should not be eaten with rickets?

Patients with rickets should not eat some cereal foods, such as millet, rice, wheat, corn, and other foods. Cereal foods also contain vitamin D and calcium, and eating too much of these foods can exacerbate the disease. Patients with rickets should eat more light, low-fat, and easily digestible foods. They should control the intake of high-fat content daily and avoid eating stimulating and spicy foods. At the same time, they should increase their intake of vitamins, encourage the child to eat more fruits and vegetables to ensure an adequate supply of vitamins, and patients can also exercise more. More physical activity can help boost the immune system.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang

Pediatrics

46sec

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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.

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Written by Yao Li Qin

Pediatrics

1min 11sec

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How is rickets treated with injections?

Rickets, also known as vitamin D deficiency rickets, is a chronic nutritional disease characterized by skeletal lesions, caused by insufficient vitamin D in children, leading to disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism. The typical manifestation of rickets is incomplete mineralization of the growing long bone epiphyses and bone tissue, presenting as bone softening or deformity. Once rickets is diagnosed, it must be treated aggressively. First, children are given high doses of vitamin D, either orally or through intramuscular injection, with a common practice of administering a single dose of 300,000 units of vitamin D intramuscularly. A month later, a blood sample is taken to measure the vitamin D content; if it is below normal, treatment must continue; if it is within the normal range, it is only necessary to supplement the daily physiological requirement of vitamin D for the child. (Specific medication should be administered under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

57sec

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Which department should I go to for rickets?

Rickets is a nutritional disease caused by a deficiency in vitamin D, leading to disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism and resulting in abnormal bone development. During the early and active stages, the X-ray shows no obvious abnormalities in bone development; it is primarily a conceptual metabolic disorder along with low levels of vitamin D. At this time, it is advisable to consult an endocrinology department. If there are sequelae and mild to moderate sequelae, rehabilitation methods are needed for correction, and at this point, a rehabilitation department should be consulted. If there are severe skeletal deformities, surgical correction may be necessary, and at this time, an orthopedic department should be consulted.