Etiology of rickets in Egyptian children

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Nutritional Science
• Radiology

Background:

• Rickets is a significant pediatric skeletal disorder.
• Growth stunting is a common clinical manifestation in children with rickets.
• Early identification and understanding of contributing factors are crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate factors associated with rickets in children attending Cairo Children's Hospital.
• To identify clinical and biochemical indicators of rickets.
• To assess predisposing factors in rachitic children compared to controls.

Main Methods:

• Clinical assessment of children attending the Outpatients Department.
• Confirmation of rickets diagnosis using X-ray and plasma biochemistry in 54 children.
• Comparison of nutrient intake and environmental factors between rachitic children and age-matched controls.

Main Results:

• Children with rickets were significantly smaller than control subjects.
• Enlarged epiphysis of the wrist and ankles were the best indicators of rickets.
• No significant differences in nutrient intake or environment were found, though intakes of energy, calcium, and vitamin D were below recommended allowances.

Conclusions:

• Low body weight, low maternal vitamin D status, and low calcium intake contribute to rickets development.
• These factors influence vitamin D utilization and metabolism.
• Further research into nutritional interventions and public health strategies is warranted.