Calcium and phosphorus disturbances in children

Calcium and phosphorus disturbances in childhood are discussed in vitamin D deficiency rickets, neonatal tetany and beta-homozygous thalassaemia. The nutritional, epidemiological, hereditary and other factors facilitating the development of the disease in these three groups of children are illustrated. The level of culture and sociability of the community must be taken into consideration for the success of the preventive medicine services, especially with regard to vitamin D deficiency rickets. The administration of phosphorus and vitamin D or metabolites of vitamin D to thalassaemic children would probably produce beneficial effects on bone and muscle changes.