Rickets Flashcards
What is rickets?
- it is the softening and weakening of bones in children, usually because of an extreme and prolonged vitamin D deficiency
What are the signs and symptoms of rickets?
- delayed growth
- delayed motor skills
- pain in spine/pelvis/legs
- muscle weakness
- bowed legs or knocked knees
- thickened wrists and ankles
- breastbone projection
What happens if rickets is left untreated?
This can result in:
- failure to grow
- abnormally curved spine
- bone deformities
- dental defects
- seizures
What are some sources of vitamin D?
- sunlight
- certain foods
How is sunlight a source of vitamin D?
- skin produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, without sun protection
- try to get 10-15 minutes each day in the sun
Which foods are sources of vitamin D?
- oily fish
- fatty fish
- milk
- cereal
- fruit juices
- margarine (fortified)
What factors increase a child’s risk of developing rickets?
- dark skin
- mother’s vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy
- northern latitudes
- premature birth
- medication
- exclusive breast feeding
How can dark skin increase a child’s risk of developing rickets?
- dark skin has more melanin
- this lowers the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D from sunlight
How does living in a northern latitude increase one’s risk of developing rickets?
- less sunshine in the northern hemisphere
How can medication increases the risk of developing rickets?
- certain types of anti-seizure medication and antiretrovirals
- interfere with vitamin D absorption
How does exclusively breastfeeding increase a child’s risk of developing rickets?
- breast milk doesn’t contain enough vitamin D to prevent rickets
- babies should be given vitamin D drops
What is rickets in adults known as?
- osteomalacia
How can rickets be treated?
- adding vitamin D and calcium to a diet
- surgery
- medication
How is rickets diagnosed?
- blood tests
- x-rays
Which minerals work with vitamin D to develop strong bones and teeth?
- calcium
- phosphorous
