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A genetic study of vitamin D deficiency rickets: 2-sex differences and ABO typing
M S el-Kholy1, F Y Abdel Mageed, F A Farid
1Pediatric Department, Ain Shams Faculty of Medicine.
Insights
This study found a genetic link to vitamin D deficiency rickets, with a higher prevalence in males and association with Blood Group A. These factors suggest a genetic predisposition to nutritional rickets.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Genetics
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Vitamin D deficiency rickets is a significant health concern in infants.
- The role of genetic factors in the development of nutritional rickets requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential genetic influences on vitamin D deficiency rickets.
- To examine sex differences and ABO blood group associations in rachitic infants.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 400 infants diagnosed with rickets, aged 6 months to 2 years, was studied.
- Data collected included sex, ABO blood typing, and alkaline phosphatase levels.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant male predominance (sex ratio 1.43) was observed in rachitic infants (P < 0.001).
- Blood group A showed a significant association with rickets in both sexes (P < 0.001).
- Male infants exhibited significantly higher alkaline phosphatase levels (91% > 30 K.A. units) compared to females (72%), indicating greater disease severity.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the hypothesis of a genetic component in nutritional rickets.
- Sex and ABO blood group may be associated with susceptibility and severity of vitamin D deficiency rickets.
Abstract:
In a further attempt to study the role of genetics in vitamin D deficiency rickets, 400 rachitic infants randomly chosen and aged from 6 months to 2 years (14.3 +/- 3.5 months) were investigated for sex differences and ABO typing. A significant (P < 0.001) predominance of the male sex was found, sex ratio being 1.43. Blood group A was significantly (P < 0.001) associated with rachitic patients whether males or females. Alkaline phosphatase values were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in male infants 91% of them had levels above 30 K.A. units, while the corresponding percentage of girls was 72%. This indicates that the disease is more severe among males. The study gives added support for the belief that there is a genetic factor in nutritional rickets.