Rickets in Children: An Update.

Cristina Gentile,Francesco Chiarelli

doi:10.3390/biomedicines9070738

Abstract

Rickets refers to a deficient mineralization of the growth plate cartilage, predominantly affecting longer bones. Despite the fact that preventive measures are available, it is still a common disease worldwide; nutritional rickets, due to vitamin D deficiency or dietary calcium inadequate intake, remains the most common form. Medical history, physical examination, radiologic features and biochemical tests are essential for diagnosis. Although recent studies suggest hypophosphatemia as the leading alteration, rickets is classically divided into two categories: calcipenic rickets and phosphopenic rickets. Knowledge of this categorization and of respective clinical and laboratory features is essential for rapid diagnosis and correct management. The aim of this review is to analyze the epidemiological, pathogenetic, clinical, and therapeutic aspects of the different forms of rickets, describing the novelties on this “long-lived” disease.

Highlights

Rickets was first described as a specific condition in the mid-seventeenth century [1]and still remains a frequent condition worldwide
A thorough biochemical evaluation is recommended for a prompt diagnosis
Laboratory findings can change according to the type of rickets and stage of the disease

Summary

Introduction

Rickets was first described as a specific condition in the mid-seventeenth century [1]and still remains a frequent condition worldwide. Rickets was first described as a specific condition in the mid-seventeenth century [1]. Rickets is a bone disease characterized by abnormal serum calcium (Ca) and phosphate (Pi) levels that may cause the development of abnormalities in chondrocytes’ differentiation and maturation and, a defective mineralization of the growth plate [3]. It predominantly affects longer bones, leading to poor bone growth and typical rickets bony deformities such as bow-legs and knock-knees [4]. Diagnosis is usually established by medical history, physical examination, biochemical tests, and radiography

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