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Radiologists' Diagnostic Performance in Differentiation of Rickets and Classic Metaphyseal Lesions on Radiographs: A Multicenter Study. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2022; 219:962-972. [PMID: 35792137 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.22.27729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND. Despite evidence supporting the specificity of classic metaphyseal lesions (CML) for the diagnosis of child abuse, some medicolegal practitioners claim that CML result from rickets rather than trauma. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to evaluate radiologists' diagnostic performance in differentiating rickets and CML on radiographs. METHODS. This retrospective seven-center study included children younger than 2 years who underwent knee radiography from January 2007 to December 2018 and who had either rickets (25-hydroxyvitamin D level < 20 ng/mL and abnormal knee radiographs) or knee CML and a diagnosis of child abuse from a child abuse pediatrician. Additional injuries were identified through medical record review. Radiographs were cropped and zoomed to present similar depictions of the knee. Eight radiologists independently interpreted radiographs for diagnoses of rickets or CML, rated confidence levels, and recorded associated radiographic signs. RESULTS. Seventy children (27 girls, 43 boys) had rickets; 77 children (37 girls, 40 boys) had CML. Children with CML were younger than those with rickets (mean, 3.7 vs 14.2 months, p < .001; 89.6% vs 5.7% younger than 6 months; 3.9% vs 65.7% older than 1 year). All children with CML had injuries in addition to the knee CML identified at physical examination or other imaging examinations. Radiologists had almost perfect agreement for moderate- or high-confidence interpretations of rickets (κ = 0.92) and CML (κ = 0.89). Across radiologists, estimated sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for CML for moderate- or high-confidence interpretations were 95.1%, 97.0%, and 96.0%. Accuracy was not significantly different between pediatric and nonpediatric radiologists (p = .20) or between less experienced and more experienced radiologists (p = .57). Loss of metaphyseal zone of provisional calcification, cupping, fraying, and physeal widening were more common in rickets than CML, being detected in less than 4% of children with CML. Corner fracture, bucket-handle fracture, subphyseal lucency, deformed corner, metaphyseal irregularity, and subperiosteal new bone formation were more common in CML than rickets, being detected in less than 4% of children with rickets. CONCLUSION. Radiologists had high interobserver agreement and high diagnostic performance for differentiating rickets and CML. Recognition that CML mostly occur in children younger than 6 months and are unusual in children older than 1 year may assist interpretation. CLINICAL IMPACT. Rickets and CML have distinct radiographic signs, and radiologists can reliably differentiate these two entities.
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Fortin K, Bertocci G, Nicholas JL, Lorenz DJ, Pierce MC. Long bone fracture characteristics in children with medical conditions linked to bone health. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2020; 103:104396. [PMID: 32135374 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge of fracture characteristics among children with medical conditions affecting bone could help to distinguish medical causes from child abuse. OBJECTIVE Characterize long bone fracture morphology among children diagnosed with medical conditions linked to bone health. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Patients <18 years at a single pediatric hospital diagnosed with a medical condition linked to bone health and ≥1 long bone fracture were studied. METHODS This retrospective medical record review categorized underlying medical diagnoses as: metabolic bone disease, genetic disorder of connective tissue, neurologic disorder and other chronic disease. A pediatric radiologist reviewed plain films to determine fracture type and location. Descriptive statistics, as well as logistic regression were used to compare fracture types by clinical characteristics. RESULTS Ninety-four patients were included and their diagnoses were genetic connective disorder (19; 20.2 %), metabolic bone disease (16; 17.0 %), neurologic disorder (27; 28.7 %), and other (32; 34.0 %). A total of 216 long bone fractures were sustained; 52.1 % of children had >1 long bone fracture. Of the 216 fractures, 55 (25.5 %) were in children < 1 year, 118 (54.6 %) were associated with known trauma, and 122 (56.5 %) were in non-ambulatory patients. Lower extremity fractures occurred with greatest frequency and most fractures occurred at the mid-diaphysis. Transverse was the most common fracture type in all diagnostic categories. Children with metabolic disorders had highest odds of transverse fracture (COR 3.55, CI 1.45-8.67; neurologic disorders as reference group). CONCLUSIONS Diseases affecting bone health can influence fracture morphology. Transverse fractures were most common in bones impacted by disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Fortin
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Division of General Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.
| | - Gina Bertocci
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, J.B. Speed School of Engineering, 500 S. Preston St., Louisville, KY 40202, United States.
| | | | - Douglas John Lorenz
- University of Louisville School of Public Health & Information Sciences, 485 E. Gray St., Louisville, KY 40202, United States.
| | - Mary Clyde Pierce
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, 225 E. Chicago Ave, Chicago, Il 60611, United States
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Strouse
- Section of Pediatric Radiology, C. S. Mott Children's Hospital, Room 3-231,Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Health System, 1540 E. Hospital Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-4252, USA.
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Cannell JJ, Holick MF. Multiple unexplained fractures in infants and child physical abuse. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 175:18-22. [PMID: 27641737 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2016.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
When an infant presents with X-rays showing multiple unexplained fractures in various stages of healing (MUFVSH), the child is usually diagnosed with child abuse based on criteria of the Academy of Pediatrics' Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect (AAPCCAAN). Almost always, the infant is subsequently removed from the home and civil or criminal proceeding commence. It may be that healing infantile rickets or other poorly understood metabolic bone disorders of infancy are responsible for these x-rays. Activated vitamin D is a seco-steroid hormone, whose mechanism of action is genetic regulation. Lack of it can result in musculoskeletal defects known as rickets. Low calcium can also cause rickets. However, it is clear that experts for the state believe that the x-rays in these cases are so definitive as to be pathognomonic for child abuse. Therefore, if the caregivers deny abusing their infants, experts following American Academy of Pediatric's Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect. guidelines are essentially claiming that x-rays showing multiple unexplained fractures in various stages of healing are lie detector tests. However, it is not widely appreciated that the gold standard for the diagnosis of rickets is a bone biopsy, not x-rays, as radiologists miss biopsy proven rickets 80% of the time; that is, 4 out of 5 infants with rickets will have normal x-rays. In this article we provide reports of two cases and their outcomes. We discuss information about healing infantile rickets and an example of common sense medical conclusions in these cases. This information could lead to a significant reduction in the number of innocent parents having their infant removed or sent to prison.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Jacob Cannell
- Vitamin D Council Inc., 1411 Marsh Street, Suite 203, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA.
| | - Michael F Holick
- Professor of Medicine, Physiology, Endocrinology and Biophysics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Holick MF, Hossein-Nezhad A, Tabatabaei F. Multiple fractures in infants who have Ehlers-Danlos/hypermobility syndrome and or vitamin D deficiency: A case series of 72 infants whose parents were accused of child abuse and neglect. DERMATO-ENDOCRINOLOGY 2017; 9:e1279768. [PMID: 29511428 PMCID: PMC5832156 DOI: 10.1080/19381980.2017.1279768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To increase the level of awareness that Ehlers-Danlos/hypermobility syndrome (EDS) and vitamin D deficiency are associated with infantile fragility fractures and radiologic features that may be mistakenly reported to be caused by non-accidental trauma due to Child Abuse and Neglect (CAN). Patients and Methods: We constructed a case series, the largest to date, of infants with EDS who were vitamin D sufficient, insufficient and deficient and infants without EDS but with documented vitamin D deficiency and radiologic evidence of rickets who presented with multiple fractures originally diagnosed as being non-accidental and caused by child abuse. These infants were referred to the outpatient Bone Health Care Clinic at Boston University Medical Campus over a 6-year (2010–2015) period. We also present 6 index cases in which the court concluded that there was no convincing evidence of child abuse and the infants were returned to their parents. Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval was obtained. Results: We present 72 cases of infants with multiple fractures diagnosed to be caused by non-accidental trauma. All infants were younger than one year of age. Among them, 93%(67) had clinical evidence of EDS and/or a family history with a confirmed clinical diagnosis of at least one parent having EDS and the other 7%(5) without evidence of EDS had vitamin D deficiency/infantile rickets. Three of the EDS infants were diagnosed as osteogenesis imperfecta (OI)/EDS overlap syndrome. The most common fractures noted at diagnosis were ribs and extremity fractures (including classic metaphyseal lesions). Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] were reported in 48 infants (18.0 ± 8.5 ng/ml) and in 30 mothers (21.3 ± 11.7 ng/ml). Sixty-three percent (27) of the EDS infants who had their serum 25(OH)D measured were vitamin D deficient 25(OH)D<20 ng/ml and 5 were vitamin D sufficient 25(OH)D>30 ng/ml. The mean serum level for infants with vitamin D deficiency/rickets was (10.2 ± 3.0 ng/ml) Conclusion: EDS, OI/EDS and vitamin D deficiency/infantile rickets are associated with fragility fractures in infants that can be misinterpreted as caused by non-accidental trauma due to child abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Holick
- Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Nutrition, and Diabetes, Vitamin D, Skin, and Bone Research Laboratory, Boston University Medical Campus, Boston, MA, USA
| | - A Hossein-Nezhad
- Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Nutrition, and Diabetes, Vitamin D, Skin, and Bone Research Laboratory, Boston University Medical Campus, Boston, MA, USA.,Osteoporosis Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - F Tabatabaei
- Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Nutrition, and Diabetes, Vitamin D, Skin, and Bone Research Laboratory, Boston University Medical Campus, Boston, MA, USA
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The etiology and significance of fractures in infants and young children: a critical multidisciplinary review. Pediatr Radiol 2016; 46:591-600. [PMID: 26886911 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-016-3546-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
This paper addresses significant misconceptions regarding the etiology of fractures in infants and young children in cases of suspected child abuse. This consensus statement, supported by the Child Abuse Committee and endorsed by the Board of Directors of the Society for Pediatric Radiology, synthesizes the relevant scientific data distinguishing clinical, radiologic and laboratory findings of metabolic disease from findings in abusive injury. This paper discusses medically established epidemiology and etiologies of childhood fractures in infants and young children. The authors also review the body of evidence on the role of vitamin D in bone health and the relationship between vitamin D and fractures. Finally, the authors discuss how courts should properly assess, use, and limit medical evidence and medical opinion testimony in criminal and civil child abuse cases to accomplish optimal care and protection of the children in these cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Strouse
- Section of Pediatric Radiology, C. S. Mott Children's Hospital, Room 3-231, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Health System, 1540 E. Hospital Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-4252, USA.
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Abstract
Medics may consider worrying about their metaphysics and ontology to be a waste of time. I will argue here that this is not the case. Promiscuous realism is a metaphysical position which holds that multiple, equally valid, classification schemes should be applied to objects (such as patients) to capture different aspects of their complex and heterogeneous nature. As medics at the bedside may need to capture different aspects of their patients' problems, they may need to use multiple classification schemes (multiple nosologies), and thus consider adopting a different metaphysics to the one commonly in use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Binney
- EGENIS: Centre for the Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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Kepron C, Pollanen MS. Rickets or abuse? A histologic comparison of rickets and child abuse-related fractures. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2015; 11:78-87. [PMID: 25557084 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-014-9639-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The bone changes of vitamin D deficiency rickets have been invoked as an alternate explanation for child-abuse related fractures identified through medical imaging. The lack of modern histopathologic comparisons between these two entities limits the abilities of the forensic pathologist to address this differential diagnosis, both in their autopsy reports and on the witness stand. METHODS We report a comparison of the histologic appearance of the bones in a two year old child with vitamin D deficiency rickets with fractures occurring in three young children with child abuse. RESULTS In the case of rickets, there was marked architectural disorganization of endochondral ossification at the costochondral junctions and growth plates of long bones. The child abuse-related fractures showed osteochondral callus at different stages of healing, either centered on a discrete fracture line or at metaphyses (e.g. classical metaphyseal lesions). In many instances, the healing fractures disrupted the line of endochondral ossification. In none of the child abuse-related fractures was there any similarity to the histologic appearance of rickets. CONCLUSION The maturation disturbance in the growth plate that occurs in rickets is a distinctive entity that cannot be confused histologically with healing fractures, including the classical metaphyseal lesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charis Kepron
- Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada,
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Kovacs CS. Bone development and mineral homeostasis in the fetus and neonate: roles of the calciotropic and phosphotropic hormones. Physiol Rev 2014; 94:1143-218. [PMID: 25287862 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00014.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mineral and bone metabolism are regulated differently in utero compared with the adult. The fetal kidneys, intestines, and skeleton are not dominant sources of mineral supply for the fetus. Instead, the placenta meets the fetal need for mineral by actively transporting calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium from the maternal circulation. These minerals are maintained in the fetal circulation at higher concentrations than in the mother and normal adult, and such high levels appear necessary for the developing skeleton to accrete a normal amount of mineral by term. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitriol circulate at low concentrations in the fetal circulation. Fetal bone development and the regulation of serum minerals are critically dependent on PTH and PTH-related protein, but not vitamin D/calcitriol, fibroblast growth factor-23, calcitonin, or the sex steroids. After birth, the serum calcium falls and phosphorus rises before gradually reaching adult values over the subsequent 24-48 h. The intestines are the main source of mineral for the neonate, while the kidneys reabsorb mineral, and bone turnover contributes mineral to the circulation. This switch in the regulation of mineral homeostasis is triggered by loss of the placenta and a postnatal fall in serum calcium, and is followed in sequence by a rise in PTH and then an increase in calcitriol. Intestinal calcium absorption is initially a passive process facilitated by lactose, but later becomes active and calcitriol-dependent. However, calcitriol's role can be bypassed by increasing the calcium content of the diet, or by parenteral administration of calcium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher S Kovacs
- Faculty of Medicine-Endocrinology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
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Flaherty EG, Perez-Rossello JM, Levine MA, Hennrikus WL. Evaluating children with fractures for child physical abuse. Pediatrics 2014; 133:e477-89. [PMID: 24470642 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2013-3793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fractures are common injuries caused by child abuse. Although the consequences of failing to diagnose an abusive injury in a child can be grave, incorrectly diagnosing child abuse in a child whose fractures have another etiology can be distressing for a family. The aim of this report is to review recent advances in the understanding of fracture specificity, the mechanism of fractures, and other medical diseases that predispose to fractures in infants and children. This clinical report will aid physicians in developing an evidence-based differential diagnosis and performing the appropriate evaluation when assessing a child with fractures.
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Quigley AJ, Stafrace S. Skeletal survey normal variants, artefacts and commonly misinterpreted findings not to be confused with non-accidental injury. Pediatr Radiol 2014; 44:82-93; quiz 79-81. [PMID: 24395377 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-013-2802-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2013] [Revised: 05/08/2013] [Accepted: 09/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Radiology plays a key part in the investigation of non-accidental injury. Many normal variants and artefacts can simulate an abnormality associated with non-accidental injury. It is essential that radiologists reporting skeletal surveys in cases of suspected child abuse are aware of these. We present a pictorial essay to aid the reporting radiologist in the differentiation between normal variants or artefacts and true traumatic injury. We show plain film examples of potential pitfalls throughout the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan J Quigley
- In-Patient Radiology Department, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZN, UK,
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Strouse PJ. ‘Keller & Barnes’ after 5 years — still inadmissible as evidence. Pediatr Radiol 2013; 43:1424. [PMID: 24077639 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-013-2810-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Abstract
This is the continuation of a two-part review of rickets. This part emphasizes the specific pathophysiology, clinical features, pathoanatomy and radiographic findings of vitamin D deficiency rickets. Other forms of rickets, differential diagnostic considerations and the potential relationship between low levels of vitamin D metabolites and unexplained fractures in infants are also discussed.
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The creation of non-disease: an assault on the diagnosis of child abuse. Pediatr Radiol 2012; 42:903-5. [PMID: 22669458 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-012-2425-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2012] [Accepted: 05/15/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Botash AS, Sills IN, Welch TR. Calciferol deficiency mimicking abusive fractures in infants: is there any evidence? J Pediatr 2012; 160:199-203. [PMID: 21996158 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2011.08.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2011] [Revised: 07/27/2011] [Accepted: 08/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ann S Botash
- Division of Child Abuse, Department of Pediatrics, Upstate Medical University and Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
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Done SL. Fetal and neonatal bone health: update on bone growth and manifestations in health and disease. Pediatr Radiol 2012; 42 Suppl 1:S158-76. [PMID: 22395728 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-011-2251-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2011] [Revised: 08/02/2011] [Accepted: 08/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The neonatal period is classically described as the first 28 days of life, but owing to the fact that changes in skeletal tissue occur at a somewhat slower pace than those of other organ systems, events of the first few months are considered herein. Neonatal bone health is a problem of growing interest and concern because of the increasing recognition of its impact upon childhood, adolescent and even adult bone health. Osteoporosis in adulthood often has its roots in childhood and some forms may be prevented by proper attention to neonatal and childhood bone health. The premature infant likely suffers lifelong decreased bone mineral density as a result of its early birth and lack of adequate mineral stores that are typically present in full-term infants. Adequate embryogenesis, growth and development of the skeletal system are multifactorial and under the influence of a host of genes, growth factors and enzymes. The evaluation of skeletal dysplasias and their recognition are beyond the scope of this paper and will not be considered in this discussion. Here the focus will be on the adequacy of mineralization and metabolic aspects of the growth and development of the fetal and neonatal skeleton, the effect of birth, both preterm and term, maternal illness and health as well as infant diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen L Done
- Department of Radiology, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, R5417, 4800 Sandpoint Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105, USA.
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Perez-Rossello JM, Feldman HA, Kleinman PK, Connolly SA, Fair RA, Myers RM, Gordon CM. Rachitic changes, demineralization, and fracture risk in healthy infants and toddlers with vitamin D deficiency. Radiology 2011; 262:234-41. [PMID: 22106354 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.11110358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine radiographic findings in children with vitamin D deficiency in comparison with biochemical marker levels and prevalence of fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS The parents or guardians of all participants provided written informed consent at the time of enrollment. The institutional review board approved the protocol, and HIPAA guidelines were followed. From a prospective sample of children seen for routine clinical care, 40 children with vitamin D deficiency (25-hydroxyvitamin D [25-OHD] level, ≤ 20 ng/mL) were identified, and high-detail computed radiographs of the wrists and knees were obtained. The children ranged in age from 8 to 24 months. Radiographs were scored by three readers with use of the 10-point Thacher score for rachitic changes and a five-point scale for demineralization. Serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and parathyroid hormone levels were determined. Fracture history was obtained for 35 of the 40 patients (88%). RESULTS All readers identified rachitic changes at both readings in two patients (5%) and demineralization in two patients (5%). Interrater agreement was 65% for rachitic changes (κ = 0.33) and 70% for demineralization (κ = 0.37). When the majority of the raters determined that rachitic changes were absent at both readings, alkaline phosphatase levels were lower than those with other assessments (median, 267 vs 515 U/L [4.4589 vs 8.6005 μkat/L]; P = .01). When most raters determined that demineralization was present at both readings, serum 25-OHD levels were lower than those at other assessments (median, 9.0 vs 17.5 ng/mL [22.464 vs 43.68 nmol/L]; P = .02). No fractures were reported or identified radiographically. CONCLUSION In infants and toddlers with vitamin D deficiency, rachitic changes and definite demineralization are uncommon and fracture risk is low.
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Pandya NK, Baldwin K, Kamath AF, Wenger DR, Hosalkar HS. Unexplained fractures: child abuse or bone disease? A systematic review. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2011; 469:805-12. [PMID: 20878560 PMCID: PMC3032841 DOI: 10.1007/s11999-010-1578-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Child abuse and neglect (CAN) is a serious problem that has major implications for the welfare of the child involved. Unexplained fractures are of particular concern to the orthopaedic surgeon, who must often consider alternative diagnoses to CAN. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES We therefore (1) determined which bone diseases most commonly mimic CAN; (2) what types of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) are most commonly confused with CAN and why; and (3) what specific findings in OI and bone disease render a mistaken diagnosis of CAN more likely. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was performed. We identified studies that compared cases of CAN with cases in which patients had bone disease that resulted in an unexplained fracture. We also included studies in which patients with fractures resulting from underlying bony pathology were misclassified as CAN and were subsequently reclassified as bone disease as a result of further investigation. Our search netted only five studies that directly compared and contrasted CAN with metabolic or genetic bone disease in the same study. RESULTS The published literature suggests OI is most frequently confused with CAN, although metaphyseal dysplasia, disorders of phosphate metabolism, and temporary brittle bone disease are also documented in the literature identified by our search. Difficulty in differentiating these bony diseases from CAN stems from ambiguity in the history and physical examination at the time of presentation. CONCLUSIONS Bone disease is a diagnosis of exclusion in the differential diagnosis of CAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirav K. Pandya
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Keith Baldwin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Atul F. Kamath
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Dennis R. Wenger
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rady Children’s Hospital, 3030 Children’s Way, Suite 410, San Diego, CA 92123 USA
| | - Harish S. Hosalkar
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rady Children’s Hospital, 3030 Children’s Way, Suite 410, San Diego, CA 92123 USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Osseous injuries are a major facet of child abuse and in most patients radiographic imaging plays a major role in diagnosis. While some injuries are typically produced as a result of excessive and inappropriate force other injuries are nonspecific in terms of their causation, but become suspicious when the history provided by the caretakers is inconsistent with the type of injury produced. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES I detail the radiographic imaging of the more characteristic of the highly specific injuries, discuss the major issues that relate to some moderate- or low-specificity injuries, and describe several diseases that mimic abuse. METHODS A review of the current and recent literature focused on the radiographic imaging of child abuse was performed by searching the National Library of Medicine database at pubmed.gov. Keywords used included: radiology, fracture, child abuse, and/or nonaccidental trauma. RESULTS Injuries that are highly specific for the diagnosis of abuse include metaphyseal corner fractures, posteromedial rib fractures, and sternal, scapular, and spinous process fractures. Lesions of moderate specificity include, among other injuries, multiple fractures of various ages and epiphyseal separations. Long-bone fractures and clavicular fractures, while common, are of low specificity. In addition to the appropriate accurate diagnosis of these injuries, several diseases and syndromes may mimic abuse due to the similarity in the radiographic picture. CONCLUSIONS Stratification of fractures sustained in child abuse according to specificity and an understanding of the several diseases that mimic abuse are helpful in the accurate diagnosis of child abuse. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V, diagnostic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry R Dwek
- Department of Radiology, Rady Children's Hospital and Health Center, University of California at San Diego, 3020 Children's Way, San Diego, CA 92123, USA.
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Taylor JA, Richter M, Done S, Feldman KW. The utility of alkaline phosphatase measurement as a screening test for rickets in breast-fed infants and toddlers: a study from the puget sound pediatric research network. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2010; 49:1103-10. [PMID: 20724326 DOI: 10.1177/0009922810376993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
To determine if alkaline phosphatase (AP) levels are a useful screening test for rickets, the authors measured serum AP levels in children 6 to 15 months old who were predominantly breast-fed for > 6 months without vitamin D supplementation. Radiographs were obtained on children with elevated AP levels to determine the presence of rickets. AP levels were obtained on 246 children; levels were elevated in 33 (13.4%). Rickets was present in 4 of 18 children with elevated levels on whom radiographs were obtained. The sensitivity and specificity of AP levels as a test for rickets was maximal at a cutoff value of 552 U/L. Using this cutoff value, the specificity of AP levels as a test for rickets was 97.4%, and the positive predictive value (PPV) was 40.0%. These results suggest that AP levels may be a useful screening test for rickets in children who are breast-fed for prolonged periods without vitamin D supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Taylor
- University of Washington School of Medicine and Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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Fractures in infants and toddlers with rickets. Pediatr Radiol 2010; 40:1184-9. [PMID: 20012034 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-009-1470-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2009] [Revised: 10/01/2009] [Accepted: 10/19/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rickets affects young infants and toddlers. However, there is a paucity of literature regarding the types of fractures that occur in rachitic patients. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the age of patients at which radiographically evident rickets occurs, and to characterize the age incidence and fractures that are observed in infants and toddlers with radiographically evident rickets. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective study of children younger than 24 months was performed. Clinical data and radiographs were reviewed. Radiographs obtained within 1 month of the diagnosis were evaluated for the presence or absence of osteopenia, presence or absence of fraying-cupping, and presence and characterization of fractures. RESULTS After exclusion criteria were applied, 45 children were included in the study. Children with rickets evident by radiograph were in the age range of 2-24 months. Fractures were present in 17.5% of the study group, exclusively in mobile infants and toddlers. Fracture types included transverse long bone fractures, anterior and anterior-lateral rib fractures, and metaphyseal fractures. All fractures occurred exclusively in patients with severe, overtly evident rickets. CONCLUSION Fractures occur in older infants and toddlers with overt rickets and can be seen by radiograph. Fractures do not resemble high-risk non-accidental trauma fractures.
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Affiliation(s)
- K W Feldman
- The Department of Pediatrics, General Pediatric Division, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Jenny
- Pediatrics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02906, USA.
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Abstract
UNLABELLED Vitamin D deficiency rickets has long been recognized as a cause of fractures and fracture-like appearances in young children. Often seen in the early 20th century, rickets has recently been regarded as uncommon; the radiological appearances, familiar to previous generations, may not be recognized for what they are. This article reports four children with unexplained fractures initially attributed confidently to non-accidental injury. In each case, the later evidence of vitamin D deficiency led to a reconsideration of that diagnosis. CONCLUSION It is important to be aware of this bone disorder in the differential diagnosis of fractures, to investigate appropriately and to recognize that the radiological appearances may be misleading. A mistaken diagnosis of abuse does real harm, not least to the child itself.
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Feldman K. Commentary on "congenital rickets" article. Pediatr Radiol 2009; 39:1127-9; author reply 1130-2. [PMID: 19415253 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-009-1285-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2009] [Accepted: 04/10/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The authors explore the literature published in the past year addressing child maltreatment issues, including sexual abuse, physical child abuse, inflicted head trauma, and child abuse prevention. RECENT FINDINGS The body of knowledge about child abuse and its mimics continues to expand. Evident in this year's literature is the challenge which the diagnosis of child abuse creates for clinicians. Although further strides are being made toward universal education of providers, it is clear that there is still a reluctance to report abuse to child welfare agencies. The legal repercussions of diagnosing abuse can be extensive, and there has been a proliferation of medical defense experts who disagree with the commonly accepted tenets of abusive injury and who are vocal in the literature. SUMMARY It remains the responsibility of pediatric providers to consider child maltreatment in the differential diagnosis of any unexplained injury or medical problem. Several studies document the high rate of spanking, slapping or shaking children, and primary care clinicians may be the first professionals in a position to begin the evaluation for possible child maltreatment. Despite the natural hesitancy to diagnose abuse, clinicians have an ethical and moral obligation to address this issue both in their practice and in their communities. The short-term and long-term costs to individuals who experience family violence have been well demonstrated and include not only emotional repercussions, but also chronic health conditions, which result in significant cost to society.
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Slovis TL, Chapman S. Vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency - a conundrum. Pediatr Radiol 2008; 38:1153. [PMID: 18810401 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-008-0997-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2008] [Accepted: 08/15/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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