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Reduced prevalence of rickets in Asian children in Glasgow
Insights
Asian rickets prevalence in Glasgow declined after 1973, with vitamin D supplementation showing positive results. Continued supplementation and education are crucial for Asian children and pregnant women.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Rickets prevalence among Asian children in Glasgow showed an increasing trend from 1960 to 1973.
- This trend began to decline gradually thereafter, coinciding with increased vitamin D supplementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current prevalence of vitamin D deficiency rickets in Asian children in Glasgow.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation strategies.
Main Methods:
- Clinical, biochemical, and radiological examinations were conducted on 400 children of Indian or Pakistani origin in 1974 and 1979.
- Data on vitamin D supplementation practices were collected.
Main Results:
- In 1974, 10 children had florid rickets and 15 had subclinical rickets.
- By 1979, no cases of florid rickets were observed, and only 9 children had subclinical rickets.
- Most Asian children were receiving vitamin D supplements by 1979.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin D supplementation has significantly reduced the incidence of rickets in Asian children in Glasgow.
- Continued vitamin D supplementation for children, young adults (13-18 years), and pregnant Asian women is recommended.
- Long-term strategies should include health education and promoting Western dietary and lifestyle changes.
Abstract:
As judged by admissions to a children's hospital, the prevalence of Asian rickets in Glasgow increased from 1960 to 1973 and then decreased gradually. 400 children born of Indian or Pakistani parents (200 in 1974 and 200 in 1979), from two schools, were examined for clinical, biochemical, and radiological evidence of vitamin-D deficiency. In 1974 there were 10 children with florid rickets and 15 with subclinical rickets, whereas in 1979 no child had florid rickets and only 9 had subclinical rickets. Most Asian children now receive vitamin-D supplements. In the short term, general practitioners, physicians, and obstetricians in the United Kingdom must try to ensure vitamin D supplementation not only by children but also by young adults (aged 13-18 years) of Asian origin. A particular target should be pregnant Asian women, to prevent osteomalacia, fetal hypovitaminosis, and congenital rickets. The long-term answer to Asian probably lies in health education and a change towards the Western diet and life-style.
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