Osteomalacia & Rickett's Flashcards
1
Q
What is osteomalacia?
A
Qualitative defect
- Inadequate amounts of calcium & phosphorous > Deficient mineralization of osteoid > abnormal softening of bone
2
Q
What is Rickett’s?
A
Osteomalacia in children
3
Q
Principal causes of osteomalacia?
A
- Insufficient Ca absorption from intestine: lack of dietary calcium
- Deficiency of Vit D
- Resistance to the action of Vit D
- Phosphate deficiency
4
Q
Specific causes of osteomalacia?
A
- Malnutrition (Ca/Vit D)
- Malabsorption
- Lack of sunlight exposure
- Hypophosphataemia (refeeding syndrome, alcohol abuse)
- Long-term anticonvulsant use
- CKD
- Inherited Renal disorders
5
Q
Symptoms of osteomalacia?
A
- Bone pain: pelvis, spine, femur
- Deformities from soft bones
- Pathological fractures
- Hypocalcaemia: paraesthesia, muscle cramps, irritability, fatigue, seizure, brittle nails
- Radiographs: pseudofractures
6
Q
Investigation of osteomalacia?
A
Abnormal serum bone biochemistry
- Low calcium
- Low serum phosphate
- High serum alkaline phosphatase
7
Q
Treatment of osteomalacia?
A
Vitamin D therapy
Calcium supplementation
Phosphate supplementation
