Rickets, a reemerging disease in developed countries

Abstract

Rickets is a skeletal disease of the growing child owing to defective mineralization of the bone tissue. It is a rare entity in developed countries, however, increases due to immigration. Most cases are due to vitamin D deficiency and they may be diagnosed by an exhaustive anamnesis, typical biochemical changes and radiological signs. Its suspicion and early diagnosis are essential for an early start of treatment. We report a case of rickets in a young child with vitamin D deficiency, to remark the importance of this problem, which is currently reemerging in our environment. The child presented legs deformity and growth retardation. All the examinations performed, including blood tests, radiological studies and clinical history oriented to rickets. Adequate treatment with vitamin D and calcium was initiated just after the diagnosis and the child improved remarkably, both growth and skeletal deformities.