Browsing: Rickets in Children

Burosumab (KRN23) is a monoclonal IgG1 antibody that binds excess fibroblast growth factor 23. The FDA has approved it as the first treatment for a rare and inherited form of rickets called X linked hypophosphatemia.

Hypocalcaemia occurs when the total serum calcium concentration is less than 7.0 mg/dL and the ionized calcium is less than 3.5 mg/dL in your body. It is a commonly seen biochemical condition in which there are lower than average level of calcium in plasma. Calcium has many important functions in your body.

The low level of calcium in your body is indicative of either deficiency of calcium or vitamin D or both, since vitamin D is necessary for absorption of calcium from your dietary sources. 99% of your body calcium is stored in teeth and bone as an in-house reservoir.

Rickets is a condition that affects the development of bones in children. It affects the skeleton causing the bones to become weak and soft. Weak and soft bones lead to skeleton deformities and poor growth. Rickets is caused by a severe and prolonged deficiency of vitamin D.

Severity and cause of rickets are region dependent. If a person with bone deformity is provided with proper nutrition, there are chances of him to recover. In severe cases, surgery is an option. Vitamin D and calcium deficiency should be fought with to avoid rickets.

Due to environmental factors and lack of nutrients such as vitamin D and calcium, rickets can develop in children. More of Asian and African countries are affected by it due to malnutrition but developed countries are also facing this problem due to insufficient nutrition and unhealthy lifestyle and/or reduced exposure to sunlight.