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 Wang Xiao Jing
Pediatrics
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How to prevent skeletal deformities in rickets

Rickets is mainly caused by a deficiency of vitamin D. Therefore, within half a month after a child's birth, a preventive dose of oral vitamin D should be administered. Continue breastfeeding, allow the baby to get plenty of sunlight when the weather is warm, and timely introduce calcium-rich supplementary foods. In the early and active stages of rickets, appropriate supplementation with calcium and vitamin D can prevent the occurrence of skeletal deformities caused by the disease.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Early symptoms of rickets

Rickets is a chronic nutritional disease primarily caused by a deficiency of Vitamin D, which leads to disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism in the body, resulting in abnormal bone development. It is mostly seen in infants, especially common within the first six months, and particularly in babies younger than three months. Clinically, the symptoms are not very specific; the children may appear irritable and restless, they might cry suddenly, or become agitated and restless to the touch. Some children may exhibit excessive sweating, frequent head shaking, or even hair loss, leading to noticeable baldness at the back of the head. However, these symptoms are not very specific. Generally, blood biochemistry and Vitamin D levels need to be tested. Early X-ray findings of the bones can be normal.

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Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
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Can people with rickets swim?

Rickets is a metabolic disease caused by a deficiency in vitamin D, and its clinical manifestations primarily include symptoms in infants such as a square skull, night sweats, pigeon chest, eversion of the rib cage, as well as bowlegs or knock-knees. Severe cases can lead to skeletal deformities in the chest and developmental disorders. Therefore, for the treatment of children with rickets, it is necessary to intake vitamin D and calcium to promote bone development. Swimming is also a form of exercise that can enhance the absorption of calcium by the bones, which can help prevent the progression of rickets. It is also important to engage in outdoor activities and expose to sunlight, as vitamin D can be synthesized through sun exposure, effectively supplementing it. If a child's symptoms of rickets are relatively severe, it is advisable to take the child to a specialist hospital for a 25-hydroxy vitamin D test and supplement vitamin D based on the specific results.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Can rickets be cured?

Rickets is a chronic nutritional disease caused by vitamin D deficiency that leads to disturbed calcium and phosphorus metabolism in the body, causing abnormal skeletal development. If a square skull is observed, it indicates that the child's disease has entered an active phase. Generally, in the early stages, there is an enlargement of the fontanelle or a delay in the closure of the fontanelle. By seven to eight months, a square skull can appear, primarily characterized by outward bulging centered on the frontal and parietal bones. At this time, it is generally necessary to administer a sufficient dose of vitamin D and encourage appropriate outdoor activities. Depending on the child's condition, it might be appropriate to supplement with calcium as well. Gradually, this should be curable; however, if there are other special causes for the abnormal vitamin D levels, such as severe liver or kidney disease or some new genetic diseases causing square skull, the treatment might be more challenging.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Can rickets be treated by injection?

Rickets is primarily caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, leading to a disturbance in calcium and phosphorus metabolism in the body, which results in abnormal bone development. It is a systemic nutritional and chronic disease. The main treatment is to supplement a sufficient dosage of vitamin D, generally administered orally. The choice of vitamin D formulation, dosage, duration of treatment, whether it is administered once or multiple times, and whether supplementation is oral or intramuscular, should be determined based on the specific situation of the child. Relevant tests are generally required, and the doctor will develop a treatment plan based on the child's condition. The route of administration should also be decided based on the condition of the disease.