Why rickets is still commonly seen in our children: lesson for primary care physicians

ABSTRACT

Rickets is one of the important micro-nutrient deficiencies still seen by the primary care physicians. A study was conducted to find out the factors associated with rachitic children so as to suggest recommendations for its management and prevention. The clinical diagnosis of the disease was confirmed in 25 children by X-ray. The best indicator of the disease was widening of the wrist [76%] which was later confirmed by wrist x-ray [84%]. Some of the factors associated with rachitic children were compared with 54 normal children by finding out dietary and drug history and sunlight diary besides other basic details by interviewing mothers of both group of children. There was a significant difference in the age of the mother's of rachitic children, the mean age of normal children's mothers being higher. The panty of mothers of normal children was also significantly higher. There was no significant difference in the dietary or medicinal calcium intake of the mothers in both the groups. Rachitic children had been breastfed for a shorter period of lime as compared to controls [P<0.05]. Mean duration being 16.2 months of normal children. There was no significant difference in the birth weight, and calcium intake in the infant of the two groups. A statistically significant difference was noted in the time of the days when sunlight penetrates through the homes