Presentation and predisposing factors of nutritional rickets in children of Hazara Division

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Tahir Saeed Siddiqui1, Manzoor Illahi Rai

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad. tahirsaeeds@hotmail.com

Journal of Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad : JAMC
|December 3, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Rickets is prevalent in Hazara Division, affecting children with delayed milestones and infections. Lack of awareness, malnutrition, and antenatal factors are key contributors, even with ample sunlight.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Nutritional Rickets
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Rickets data was absent in Hazara Division, despite clinical observations suggesting its presence.
  • This study aimed to identify the prevalence, clinical presentation, and predisposing factors of rickets in pediatric patients in the region.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the presence of rickets in the pediatric population of Hazara Division.
  • To document the clinical presentation and identify predisposing factors associated with rickets.

Main Methods:

  • A twelve-month observational study was conducted at Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad.
  • Children aged 0-15 years with suspected rickets were evaluated for clinical signs, radiological changes (X-ray wrist), and biochemical markers (serum alkaline phosphatase, calcium, phosphorus).
  • Predisposing factors such as housing, sun exposure, awareness, malnutrition, and antenatal history were recorded.

Main Results:

  • Sixty children were diagnosed with rickets.
  • Common presentations included delayed motor milestones (33.33%), recurrent lower respiratory infections (18.33%), recurrent diarrhea (20%), and seizures (5%).
  • Clinical skeletal changes were observed in 66.6% and radiological signs in 85% of cases. Risk factors identified were lack of awareness, malnutrition, and antenatal factors.

Conclusions:

  • Rickets is common in Hazara Division, presenting with diverse symptoms and leading to illnesses and skeletal deformities.
  • Nutritional rickets in this sun-rich area is likely driven by lack of awareness regarding sun exposure, malnutrition, and antenatal factors.
Abstract

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