Rickets in Children: An Update.

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Endocrinology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Rickets is a condition characterized by deficient mineralization of growth plate cartilage, primarily affecting long bones.
• Nutritional rickets, stemming from vitamin D deficiency or inadequate calcium intake, remains the most prevalent form worldwide despite available preventive measures.
• Classical rickets classification includes calcipenic and phosphopenic types, with recent research highlighting hypophosphatemia as a primary factor.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and therapeutic strategies for various forms of rickets.
• To highlight recent advancements and novel insights into the management of this persistent disease.
• To emphasize the importance of understanding rickets categorization for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of epidemiological, pathogenetic, clinical, and therapeutic aspects of rickets.
• Analysis of diagnostic approaches including medical history, physical examination, radiological findings, and biochemical tests.
• Synthesis of current knowledge on calcipenic and phosphopenic rickets, incorporating recent findings on hypophosphatemia.

Main Results:

• Nutritional rickets due to vitamin D or calcium deficiency is the most common form globally.
• Accurate diagnosis relies on a combination of clinical assessment, imaging, and laboratory investigations.
• Distinguishing between calcipenic and phosphopenic rickets is crucial for guiding appropriate management strategies.

Conclusions:

• Effective management of rickets necessitates a thorough understanding of its diverse forms and underlying causes.
• Continued research into the pathogenesis and treatment of rickets is essential for improving patient outcomes.
• Early and accurate diagnosis, based on established and emerging criteria, is paramount for addressing the global burden of rickets.