osteomalacia

Question 1

definition

Answer 1

qualitative defect of bone which causes abnormal softening of the bone due to the defective mineralisation of bone resulting in formation of osteoid caused by deficiency in calcium and phosphorous

Question 2

osteomalacia in children

Answer 2

is called RICKETS and is usually more severe

Question 3

pathophysiology

Answer 3

either there is a lack of dietary calcium or reduced absorption of calcium from the diet either due to a resistance or deficiency in vitamin D which is necessary for calcium transport or phosphate deficiency due to increased renal losses of phosphate

Question 4

specific causes

Answer 4

• malnutrition
• malabsorption
• vitamin D deficiency
• hypophosphataemia due to alcoholism or referring syndrome
• long term anti-convulsant use
• chronic kidney disease
• renal tubular acidosis

Question 5

presentation

Answer 5

• back and bone pain
• waddling gait
• hypocalcaemia symptoms
• deformities

Question 6

hypoalcaemia symtoms

Answer 6

paraesthesia, muscle cramps, seizures, brittle nails

Question 7

deformities

Answer 7

genu varum and genu valgum

Question 8

classical x-ray findings

Answer 8

pseudo-fractures called looser zones

Question 9

diagnosis

Answer 9

low serum calcium and serum phosphate and high serum ALP (alkaline phosphate)

Question 10

management

Answer 10

calcium, phosphate and vitamin D supplementation