Late rickets is a medical condition characterized by the delayed onset and persistence of rickets symptoms in individuals beyond the typical age associated with rickets development. Rickets is a disorder that affects bone development and is primarily caused by a deficiency in vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. It usually occurs in infancy or early childhood, but if left untreated, it can result in lasting skeletal abnormalities or deformities.
In the case of late rickets, the symptoms and consequences of the condition extend beyond the typical age range, often into late childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. The main signs of late rickets include bone pain, weakened or brittle bones, skeletal deformities, and potential impaired growth.
The prolonged effects of late rickets on bone health are a result of the lingering nutritional deficiency or underlying medical conditions that prevent the proper absorption or metabolism of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. Late rickets can arise due to a variety of factors including prolonged inadequate sunlight exposure, insufficient dietary intake of vitamin D-rich foods or supplements, kidney or liver diseases that impair vitamin D synthesis, gastrointestinal disorders that hinder nutrient absorption, or medications that interfere with calcium or phosphate absorption.
Management of late rickets includes appropriate treatment strategies aimed at resolving the underlying cause and replenishing the deficient nutrients. This typically involves dietary changes, oral supplementation of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate, and in severe cases, medical interventions like surgical correction of bone deformities. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial in preventing complications associated with late rickets and promoting optimal bone health.
