What is the treatment method for rickets?

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on November 21, 2024
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Rickets is primarily caused by a deficiency in vitamin D, leading to disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism in the body, which results in abnormal skeletal development—a type of systemic nutritional disease. The most common form is nutritional rickets due to a deficiency in nutrients and vitamin D. Treatment focuses on controlling the active phase to prevent relapse of deformities. Therefore, early detection and comprehensive treatment are crucial. The primary treatment method involves supplementing with vitamin D. The choice of vitamin D, the dosage, and the length of treatment generally need to be tailored to the specific circumstances of the child. Additionally, increased exposure to sunlight and appropriate outdoor activities should be encouraged to enhance the absorption of vitamin D. Children should also be supplemented with calcium and a variety of vitamins. Follow-ups during the recovery phase are necessary, and training in sitting, standing, and walking should not be started too early to avoid deformities in the lower limbs. Furthermore, no medication is needed during the residual stage of the disease. For mild to moderate cases, physical exercise should be intensified, and skeletal deformities can be corrected using active or passive exercises. Severe skeletal deformities may require surgical correction.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Early symptoms of rickets

Rickets is a chronic systemic nutritional disease caused by insufficient vitamin D in the body, leading to disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism, characterized by skeletal lesions, typically presenting as incomplete mineralization of the long bones' growth plates and bone tissue. In the early stages of rickets, skeletal development abnormalities are not very obvious. Infants under three months often exhibit signs of increased neural excitability, such as being prone to crying, sweating easily, and potentially frequent head shaking; however, these symptoms are not necessarily specific to rickets. Generally, at this time, there are no obvious abnormalities in skeletal development, and X-rays of the bones are normal. The focus is on vitamin levels, specifically decreased serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D, as well as reduced blood calcium and phosphorus levels. Therefore, early symptoms are not so typical. It is recommended that children regularly visit pediatric clinics for physical examinations to assess their development and, if necessary, undergo trace element and vitamin D level checks.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Can rickets be vaccinated against?

Children with rickets can be vaccinated, as rickets is not listed among the contraindications for vaccination. Rickets is a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, a nutritional issue. Once diagnosed with rickets, it is essential to treat the child promptly by supplementing vitamin D. Generally, if treated early during infancy, rickets can be cured. To prevent rickets, all children should supplement with the physiological requirement of vitamin D from birth, engage in outdoor activities, and get ample sunlight to thoroughly prevent the occurrence of rickets. Rickets does not affect the administration of vaccines, nor does vaccination exacerbate the symptoms of rickets. Therefore, it is clear that children with rickets can be vaccinated.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Why does rickets cause sweating?

Rickets is a chronic, nutritional disease characterized by skeletal lesions due to a deficiency of vitamin D in the body, leading to disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism. It is primarily caused by a lack of vitamin D, which can increase neural excitability. Research shows that the vitamin D metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, is not only an essential nutrient but also a precursor to hormones. It is potentially related to various cells including those in the thyroid, pancreas, stomach, brain, and those involved with calcium balance, as well as the immune, endocrine, reproductive systems, skin, and tumors. A deficiency in vitamin D can increase myocardial excitability and lead to symptoms like excessive sweating.

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Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
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Is a square skull definitely rickets?

Square skull is not necessarily rickets; square skull can be seen in rickets and congenital syphilis, especially common in rickets. It is often seen in children with rickets older than 8-9 months, due to a lack of calcium in the bones which leads to inadequate bone deposition and calcification. Under the periosteum of the child's frontal bone, parietal bone, and occipital bone, a large amount of osteoid deposition forms the square skull. Therefore, while square skull is not necessarily indicative of rickets, it is a common manifestation in rickets.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Early clinical manifestations of rickets

Early Symptoms of Rickets: Rickets is a chronic nutritional disease caused by a deficiency in Vitamin D, leading to disordered calcium and phosphorus metabolism and resulting in abnormal skeletal development. It primarily affects infants, especially those under six months old, with the highest occurrence in infants under three months. The general symptoms include heightened neural excitability, such as fussiness, easy irritability, sudden bouts of crying, or being so sensitive that they cry when touched. Other symptoms include excessive sweating and frequent head shaking, though these are not specific indicators of rickets. Diagnosis mainly relies on biochemical markers and Vitamin D levels, like decreased blood calcium and phosphorus levels, elevated parathyroid hormone levels, and reduced 25-hydroxy-D3. X-ray images of bones might appear normal.