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Rickets as a complication of intravenous hyperalimentation in infants
Insights
Long-term intravenous hyperalimentation in newborns can lead to rickets, a bone disease. Inadequate vitamin D, prematurity, and rapid weight changes may increase risk.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Radiology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Intravenous hyperalimentation (IVH) is crucial for newborns with specific medical conditions.
- Nutritional deficiencies can arise during prolonged IVH, impacting bone development.
- Rickets, a condition affecting bone mineralization, poses risks to infant health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the occurrence of rickets in infants receiving long-term IVH.
- To identify radiographic findings indicative of rickets in this population.
- To explore potential risk factors associated with rickets development during IVH.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 15 newborn infants undergoing long-term IVH.
- Review of radiographic evidence, including chest, knee, and wrist X-rays.
- Correlation of radiographic findings with clinical data and IVH parameters.
Main Results:
- Fifteen infants on long-term IVH exhibited roentgenographic evidence of rickets.
- Characteristic findings included cupped and frayed upper humeral metaphyses on chest X-rays.
- Subsequent knee and wrist imaging confirmed the diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Rickets is a potential complication of long-term intravenous hyperalimentation in newborns.
- Radiographic signs, particularly in the humerus, are key diagnostic indicators.
- Inadequate vitamin D dosage, prematurity, and rapid weight fluctuations are identified as potential contributing factors.
Abstract:
Fifteen newborn infants developed roentgenographic evidence of rickets while on long-term intravenous hyperalimentation. In each instance, the initial diagnosis of rickets was suggested on the chest roentgenogram, where characteristic cupped and frayed upper humeral metaphyses were noted; subsequent knee and wrist roentgenograms substantiated these findings. Factors which may have predisposed to the development of rickets include inadequate doses of vitamin D, prematurity and a rapid change in body weight during hyperalimentation therapy.