Contributory factors leading to Biochemical change in children suffering from Nutritional rickets.

Abstract

Objective: To determine contributory factors leading to biochemical change in selected children suffering from Nutritional
Rickets (NR) at Hyderabad.
Methodology: This comparative study was conducted from August 2022 to May 2023. Medically diagnosed rachitic children were selected from outpatient department of Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad. Interviews of patients as well as parents / guardians were conducted through a standard questionnaire. Blood samples were also collected for analysis of Calcium, Vitamin D, Alkaline Phosphatase, Hemoglobin and Phosphorous.
Results: Findings revealed that mostly girls were affected by this disease. Income of parents/ guardians of affected children was Rs. 20,000-Rs. 30,000, consequently balanced diet was not available due to limited income. 53% of children  have been dwelling in open houses yet have been suffering from deficiency of vitamin D. Biochemical parameters of NR & control show that mean & standard deviation and p value of Calcium (p-0.004), Vitamin D (p-0.001), Phosphorus (p-0.003) and hemoglobin (p-0.001) have been low and alkaline phosphatase (p-0.002) have been statistical significantly higher than the control group.
Conclusion: Nutritional rickets is a multi-factorial health problem caused by malnutrition of children at early age of life coupled with inadequate mother feeding and other factors i.e. genetics, lack of care etc. Children are our future and we should pay attention to their bone health. National campaign aimed to develop awareness on consequences of risks of low level of Calcium and vitamin D is suggested.

Keywords: Nutritional Rickets, Alkaline Phosphatase, Vitamin D, Early age diet.