Rachitis: etiology, pathogenesis, diagnostics, prevention and treatment

Skaidra Bieliūnaitė1, Agnė Skvarnavičiūtė1, Diana Patapova2 

1Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Medical Academy, Faculty of Medicine

2Rokiškis Primary Health Care Center

Abstract

Introduction: rachitis is a bone mineralization or calcification disorder that is caused by a vitamin D and/or calcium/phosphate deficiency. The disorder results in brittle bones or bone deformations. Rachitis remains a serious global health concern that increases short-term morbidity and mortality as well as potentially having long-term negative health effects. Rachitis is most often caused by a vitamin D deficiency, it is therefore important to focus on both prevention and treatment.

Aim: to find out the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnostics, treatment, and prevention of rachitis.

Methodology: the literature used for this review was selected using the “PubMed” database. The literature search was conducted using selected keywords. More than 30 publications on rachitis were analyzed.

Results. Many children that develop rachitis in early childhood suffer from progressing leg deformations. In order to be diagnosed with rachitis, a patient must exhibit clinical symptoms that are confirmed by biochemical and instrumental tests. Radiological testing continues to be the golden standard for diagnosing symptoms of rachitis. Rational diet, care and exposure to sunlight are the primary recommended prevention methods. Rachitis is usually treated with ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) or cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) either of which is to be taken daily for several weeks.

Conclusions: 1.Rachitis remains a serious global health concern that increases short-term morbidity and mortality as well as potentially having long-term negative health effects. 2. In order to be diagnosed with rachitis, a patient must exhibit clinical symptoms that are confirmed by biochemical and instrumental tests. 3. Rational diet, care and exposure to sunlight are the primary recommended prevention methods. 4. Rachitis is usually treated with ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) or cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) either of which is to be taken daily for several weeks.

Keywords: nutritional rickets, rachitis, vitamin D deficiency.