Rickets
Rickets is a Vitamin-D deficiency which may occur during infancy or childhood. It happens when there is not enough vitamin D in the body. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphate. This process is necessary for proper bone development and growth. This disorder is not uncommon in certain areas of the world.
CAUSES
Poor nutrition.
Hereditary rickets (from your family).
Lack of exposure to the sun. Sunlight helps the body make vitamin D in the skin.
Malabsorption (the gut [bowel] is not able to take in foods normally) syndromes. Anything that slows digestion or absorption of fats will lessen absorption of the vitamin. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin.
SYMPTOMS
Problems commonly seen include:
Teeth problems.
Bowed legs.
Bone pain or tenderness.
Pelvic deformities.
Bone disease.
Muscle cramps.
Leg fractures.
Misshapen skull.
Bumps in the rib cage (rachitic rosary).
Restlessness.
Growth problems.
Scoliosis or kyphosis.
Pectus carinatum (pigeon chest).
Softening of bones.
DIAGNOSIS
Your caregiver may make the diagnosis by taking a medical history and doing an exam.
Finding low levels of Vitamin D in the blood.
Taking blood tests to measure calcium and phosphorus levels may be needed to prove the diagnosis.
X-rays of affected bones are sometimes taken.
TREATMENT
400 international units (IU) of vitamin D a day are recommended for infants and children.
Breastfed infants should receive vitamin D supplements.
Infants taking over 32 ounces of formula (fortified with Vitamin D) per day will receive enough Vitamin D.
Some good sources of Vitamin D include:
32 ounces of milk fortified with Vitamin D will provide adequate Vitamin D for children.
Fish, liver and egg yolks are other sources of Vitamin D.
Your caregiver can give you a prescription for vitamin D, if this diet does not appeal to your child's taste.
Sunlight exposure will help.
Braces and surgery are sometimes needed for bone problems.
Families who have a genetic cause for the rickets can receive counseling.
Document Released: 04/24/2006 Document Revised: 03/11/2013 Document Reviewed: 11/22/2008