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Rickets is defective mineralization or calcification of bones before epiphyseal closure in immature mammals due to deficiency or impaired metabolism of vitamin D,〔(Magnesium and vitamin D's co-factors, by John Jacob Cannell, M.D. citing The Lancet; The Vitamin D Council ) "''Two interesting cases of Mg dependent Vitamin D-resistant rickets appeared in the Lancet in 1974. Two children, one age two and the other age five, presented with classic rickets. 600,000 IU of Vitamin D daily for ten days did not result in any improvement in six weeks—in either x-rays or alkaline phosphatase—and the doctors diagnosed Vitamin D-resistant rickets. Almost by accident, serum Mg levels were then obtained, which were low in both children. After the treatment with Mg, the rickets rapidly resolved.''"〕 phosphorus or calcium,〔(TheFreeDictionary > rickets ) In turn citing: *The American Heritage Medical Dictionary Copyright 2007 (mentioning vitamin D and phosphates) *Mosby's Dental Dictionary, 2nd edition. Copyright 2008 (mentioning vitamin D and calcium)〕 potentially leading to fractures and deformity. Rickets is among the most frequent childhood diseases in many developing countries. The predominant cause is a vitamin D deficiency, but lack of adequate calcium in the diet may also lead to rickets (cases of severe diarrhea and vomiting may be the cause of the deficiency). Although it can occur in adults, the majority of cases occur in children suffering from severe malnutrition, usually resulting from famine or starvation during the early stages of childhood. Osteomalacia is a similar condition occurring in adults, generally due to a deficiency of vitamin D but occurs after epiphyseal closure.〔(MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Osteomalacia )〕 == Signs and symptoms == Signs and symptoms of rickets include: *Bone tenderness〔(Medical News – Symptoms of Rickets )〕 *Dental problems〔 *Muscle weakness (rickety myopathy)〔(Mayo Clinic – Signs and Symptoms of Rickets )〕 *Increased tendency for fractures (easily broken bones), especially greenstick fractures *Skeletal deformity〔 * *Toddlers: Bowed legs and double malleoli (genu varum)〔 * *Older children: Knock-knees (genu valgum) or "windswept knees" * *Cranial deformity (such as skull bossing or delayed fontanelle closure) * *Pelvic deformity * *Spinal deformity (such as kyphoscoliosis or lumbar lordosis) *Growth disturbance *Hypocalcemia (low level of calcium in the blood) *Tetany (uncontrolled muscle spasms all over the body) *Craniotabes (soft skull) *Costochondral swelling (aka "rickety rosary" or "rachitic rosary") *Harrison's groove〔 *Double malleoli sign due to metaphyseal hyperplasia *Widening of wrist〔 raises early suspicion, it is due to metaphyseal cartilage hyperplasia. An X-ray or radiograph of an advanced sufferer from rickets tends to present in a classic way: bow legs (outward curve of long bone of the legs) and a deformed chest. Changes in the skull also occur causing a distinctive "square headed" appearance (Caput Quadratum). These deformities persist into adult life if not treated. Long-term consequences include permanent bends or disfiguration of the long bones, and a curved back.〔(【引用サイトリンク】 title=Rickets and its Management: A Review )〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Rickets」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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