Vitamin D Deficiency in the Development of Rickets

Clinical Study Title:
Varying role of vitamin D deficiency in the etiology of rickets in young children vs. adolescents in northern India.

Plain English Summary:

This study looked at the role of vitamin D deficiency in the development of rickets in children versus adolescents. Nutritional levels for the children versus adolescents were obtained. Participants were then given either a calcium supplement or a calcium supplement with vitamin D. Children with rickets were able to heal with either supplement. Adolescents, however, only responded to the treatment that included vitamin D. This suggests that for adolescents who have rickets, the vitamin D deficiency may play an important role, and that treatment of rickets for adolescents should include a vitamin D supplement.

Authors:
Balasubramanian K. Rajeswari J. Gulab. Govil YC. Agarwal AK. Kumar A. Bhatia V.

Institution:
Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India.

Country of Publication:
England

Source:
Journal of Tropical Pediatrics. 49(4):201-6, 2003 Aug.