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It is not always child abuse: multiple fractures due to hypophosphatemic rickets associated with elemental formula
Kamal Abulebda1, Samer Abu-Sultaneh1, Riad Lutfi1
1Department of Pediatrics Section of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health Indianapolis Indiana.
Insights
Rickets remains a concern, as seen in a toddler who developed hypophosphatemic rickets from elemental formula. Frequent monitoring of mineral metabolism is crucial for children on these formulas.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
- Clinical Case Reports
Background:
- Rickets, a condition of bone softening, can occur in children.
- Elemental formulas are used when standard nutrition cannot be tolerated.
Observation:
- A toddler developed hypophosphatemic rickets.
- The condition was associated with the use of an elemental formula.
Findings:
- Elemental formulas may lack sufficient phosphorus or vitamin D for some children.
- This case demonstrates a link between elemental formula use and rickets development.
Implications:
- Close monitoring of mineral metabolism is essential in children on long-term elemental formula.
- Rickets should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained fractures or bone deformities in children, including in cases of suspected child abuse.
Abstract:
Rickets is not a disease of the past. We described a toddler who developed hypophosphatemic rickets associated with the use of elemental formula. This case highlights the importance of frequent monitoring of mineral metabolism in children receiving elemental formula and considering rickets in the workup of child abuse.
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