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Severe congenital rickets secondary to maternal hypovitaminosis D: a case report
Sitratallah Olawunmi Maiyegun1, Abdul Hakeem Malek, Lakshmi Viswanathan Devarajan
1Neonatal Department, Al Sabah Maternity Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait. maiyegun@qualitynet.net
Insights
A full-term infant developed severe congenital rickets due to maternal vitamin D deficiency, linked to cultural practices limiting sun exposure. Treatment with oral vitamin D proved effective, resolving the condition and secondary hyperparathyroidism.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Vitamin D deficiency is a global health concern.
- Congenital rickets can lead to severe skeletal deformities in newborns.
- Maternal vitamin D status significantly impacts neonatal bone health.
Observation:
- A full-term infant presented with severe congenital rickets shortly after birth.
- Both mother and neonate exhibited critically low vitamin D levels.
- The infant's condition improved significantly with oral vitamin D supplementation.
Findings:
- The infant's rickets and transient secondary hyperparathyroidism resolved with treatment.
- Maternal vitamin D deficiency was linked to cultural dress codes restricting sunlight exposure.
- This is the first reported case of severe congenital rickets from this specific region.
Implications:
- Highlights the critical role of maternal vitamin D sufficiency for preventing neonatal rickets.
- Underscores the impact of cultural factors on nutrient deficiencies.
- Suggests the need for targeted vitamin D supplementation strategies in at-risk populations.
Abstract:
We report a full-term baby boy who presented soon after birth with severe congenital rickets. Maternal and neonatal vitamin D levels were very low and the infant responded well to oral vitamin D. Transient secondary hyperparathyroidism normalised on treatment. The mother's vitamin D deficiency was attributed to the region's cultural dress code which prevents exposure to sunlight. There has not been a previous report of severe congenital rickets from this region.