Osteomalacia

Question 1

What is osteomalacia?

Answer 1

Osteomalacia – adult version of Rickets – slowed mineralisation of new osteoid due to Vitamin D failure

Question 2

What are the causes of osteomalacia?

Answer 2

• Dietary vit D deficiency
  
  • Malabsorption (eg coeliac disease)
  • Lack of cheese, fish, eggs, milk etc
  • Lack of sunlight
• Renal or liver disease or drug induced (anticonvulsants can induce liver enzymes that breakdown cholecalciferol)

Question 3

What investigations should be carried out for osteomalacia?

Answer 3

• Bloods
  
  • Low Ca2+, PO4-, Vit D and raised ALP (due to bone stimulation to replace Ca2+)
  • Raised PTH

Question 4

How is osteomalacia treated?

Answer 4

• Calcium
• Vitamin D replacement
• Treat underlying cause