Rickets

Rickets (scientific nomenclature: rachitis; from Greek ῥαχίτης rhakhítēs, meaning "in or of the spine" which was chosen as a back-formation, see Etymology) is a condition that results in weak or soft bones in children and may have either dietary-deficiency or genetic causes. Symptoms include bowed legs, stunted growth, bone pain, large forehead, and trouble sleeping. Complications may include bone deformities, bone pseudofractures and fractures, muscle spasms, or an abnormally curved spine. The analogous condition in adults is osteomalacia. One can characterise a child who appears to suffer from rickets as rachitic. The most common cause of rickets is a vitamin-D deficiency, although hereditary genetic forms also exist. The condition can result from eating a diet without enough vitamin D, dark skin, too little sun exposure, exclusive breastfeeding without vitamin D supplementation, celiac disease, and certain genetic conditions. Other factors may include not enough calcium or phosphorus. The underlying mechanism involves insufficient calcification of the growth plate. Diagnosis is generally based on blood tests finding a low calcium, low phosphorus, and a high alkaline phosphatase together with X-rays. Prevention for exclusively breastfed babies is vitamin D supplements. Otherwise, treatment depends on the underlying cause. If due to a lack of vitamin D, treatment is usually with vitamin D and calcium. This generally results in improvements within a few weeks. Bone deformities may also improve over time. Occasionally, surgery may be performed to correct bone deformities. Genetic forms of the disease typically require specialized treatment. Rickets occurs relatively commonly in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. It is generally uncommon in the United States and Europe, except among certain minority groups, but rates have been increasing among some populations. It begins in childhood, typically between the ages of 3 and 18 months of age. Rates of disease are equal in males and...