Osteomalacia.

Area of Science:

• Bone Metabolism and Mineralization
• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Bone Diseases

Background:

• Osteomalacia is a significant adult disorder characterized by impaired bone mineralization.
• Etiologies include deficiencies in calcium, phosphate, or vitamin D, or the presence of mineralization inhibitors.
• The condition presents heterogeneously due to numerous congenital and acquired causes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of osteomalacia.
• To discuss the spectrum of etiological factors and clinical presentations.
• To highlight recent findings on oligosymptomatic forms of osteomalacia.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of osteomalacia.
• Analysis of histomorphometric, radiographic, laboratory, and clinical features.
• Discussion of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Main Results:

• Osteomalacia exhibits diverse clinical and laboratory features, often incompletely expressed.
• Treatment is etiology-dependent, involving substrate correction, vitamin D, calcium, and potentially surgery.
• Hereditary forms may benefit from biological or replacement therapies.

Conclusions:

• Osteomalacia is a complex condition with varied presentations, necessitating tailored treatment strategies.
• Recognition of oligosymptomatic and incompletely expressed forms is crucial for timely diagnosis.
• Further research into hereditary osteomalacia treatments is warranted.