Can rickets with rib eversion in babies be cured?

Written by Tong Peng
Pediatrics
Updated on January 31, 2025
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Babies with rib flaring can be treated, but it requires assessment based on relevant clinical symptoms and laboratory tests. First, it is necessary to understand that rickets is a metabolic bone disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin D, which often results not only in rib flaring but also in square skull, pigeon chest, and either bowlegs or knock-knees. Neurologically, symptoms may include night sweats, easy startling during sleep, and poor sleep quality. When these conditions occur, a physical examination by a specialist is essential, along with comprehensive tests, including measuring the specific levels of vitamin D, and selecting appropriate vitamin D supplements. If the symptoms of rib flaring are severe and accompanied by a noticeable pigeon chest, orthotic supports may also be necessary for correction. If rib flaring affects normal breathing, severe cases may require surgical treatment. Therefore, the extent of severity based on clinical symptoms will dictate the treatment approach—whether it is oral medication, orthotic correction, or surgery.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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How to diagnose rickets?

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 Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Rickets is a deficiency of what?

Rickets is caused by a deficiency of what? For rickets, its main gold standard for diagnosis is based on the results of blood biochemistry and skeletal X-ray examinations. Generally, the deficiency in rickets is mainly due to insufficient levels of vitamin D, which then leads to disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism. Typically, this is characterized by low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 in the body, along with decreased levels of blood calcium and phosphorus, manifesting as deficiencies in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D. However, in children, rickets could also be caused by other factors, such as abnormalities in liver or kidney function, or congenital hereditary diseases. Generally, further tests are needed to confirm rickets. If other special causes are ruled out, timely supplementation of vitamin D and appropriate exposure to sunlight, along with calcium supplementation, can effectively cure the disease.

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Written by Mo Ming Hua
Pediatrics
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If rickets is not treated, what will be the impact?

Rickets, if untreated, mainly involves changes in skeletal deformities and motor function in children. Rickets is primarily caused by a deficiency in vitamin D, which is essential for promoting the absorption of calcium. A deficiency in vitamin D leads to reduced calcium absorption. Lower calcium absorption results in a calcium deficiency in the body, which in turn causes changes in the bones. In the early stages of vitamin D deficiency, the main symptoms are increased neural excitability, which may manifest as startle reactions, irritability, restlessness, and excessive sweating. During the active phase, symptoms of increased nervous system excitability become more pronounced, mainly presenting as skeletal deformities. What aspects do these skeletal deformities affect? One is the softening of the skull, pigeon chest, funnel chest, and changes resembling wristbands and anklets. If the condition worsens further, it can present as X-shaped legs, O-shaped legs, and spinal deformities. Thus, if rickets progresses, it can lead to skeletal deformities and impairments in motor functions, among other issues.

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Written by Quan Xiang Mei
Pediatrics
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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 Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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How is rickets treated?

How is rickets treated? Rickets is caused by a lack of vitamin D, leading to disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism. The common nutritional deficiency of vitamin D, primarily due to insufficient intake, results in abnormal bone development. At this time, effectively supplementing vitamin D, engaging in appropriate outdoor activities, and receiving ample sunlight can treat rickets in children. However, there are some special cases, such as significant abnormalities in liver or kidney function, where treatment should be targeted based on the cause of the condition. In addition, some congenital genetic abnormalities causing disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism can make treatment more challenging. Therefore, the treatment of rickets should be based on specific conditions. Generally, if it is simply a case of nutritional deficiency of vitamin D, the treatment outcome is quite favorable and the condition is considered self-limiting. Thus, if a vitamin D deficiency is detected, it is important to supplement promptly to prevent further abnormal bone development.