The prevalence of rickets-like bone deformities in rural Gambian children

H.L Jones,L Jammeh,A Ebrim,M Bikwe,S Owens,A.J Fulford,J.M Pettifor,A Prentice

doi:10.1016/j.bone.2009.04.114

Abstract

The prevalence of rickets-like bone deformities in rural Gambian children

Highlights

Rickets is a childhood disorder of bone mineralisation at the growth plate, usually caused by inadequate concentrations of extra-cellular calcium or phosphate
Rickets is most commonly caused by vitamin D deficiency, rickets in Sub-Saharan Africa, India and Bangladesh has been reported in children with a biochemical profile that does not suggest vitamin D deficiency but who may have calcium deficiency [2]
Vitamin D deficiency is the most common cause but calcium deficiency is implicated in African and Asian countries where vitamin D status, as measured by the plasma concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, is above that typically associated with vitamin D deficiency rickets

Summary

Introduction

Rickets is a childhood disorder of bone mineralisation at the growth plate, usually caused by inadequate concentrations of extra-cellular calcium or phosphate. The delay in or failure of endochondral ossification leads to deformation of the growth plate, the development of bone deformities and a reduction in linear growth [1,2]. Children with bone deformities may be severely disabled, have increased morbidity and decreased quality of life. The burden is currently greatest and the public health impact most substantial in developing countries, where crippling deformities reduce physical capacity and drain economic prospects [3]. Rickets is most commonly caused by vitamin D deficiency, rickets in Sub-Saharan Africa, India and Bangladesh has been reported in children with a biochemical profile that does not suggest vitamin D deficiency but who may have calcium deficiency [2].

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