1
|
Lucas-Herald AK, Forbes O, McDonald H, McNeilly J, Bradley T, Wood D, McDevitt H, Houston J, Mason A. Bone biochemistry in children with fractures presenting with non-accidental injury. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 151:106693. [PMID: 38431992 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In cases of fractures in children with suspicion of non-accidental injury (NAI), biochemical markers of calcium homeostasis should be performed. OBJECTIVES To describe the pattern of biochemistry in children with fractures NAI is suspected. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Children ≤2 years of age who had undergone a skeletal survey as part of a child protection investigation where 1/+ fracture was identified over a ten-year period (2012-2021) at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow. METHODS A retrospective review of case notes was conducted. Established criteria to classify NAI were used to distinguish confirmed NAI from non-NAI. Biochemical markers of calcium homeostasis were classified as normal or abnormal using local reference ranges. Vitamin D deficiency was classified as Vitamin D < 25 nmol/L and insufficiency as 25-50 nmol/L. RESULTS One hundred and twenty-seven children were identified, of whom 107 (84 %) had bone biochemistry performed. Twenty-nine children (24 %) had injuries that were classified as confirmed NAI. In cases where NAI was confirmed either at case conference or by criminal conviction 14/29 (48 %) had one or more abnormal bone biochemical markers. None of the children displayed clinical or radiological evidence of rickets. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was higher in children with confirmed NAI (median 296 vs. 261, p = 0.01) but there were no other statistically significant differences in biochemical levels between those with confirmed NAI compared to those without. Those with confirmed NAI were from areas with lower SIMD score (2.0 vs. 3.0 p = 0.01) but no other differences were found between the groups. CONCLUSION No clear predictors of NAI are demonstrated on biochemistry alone in young children with fractures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Owen Forbes
- Child Protection Service, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, UK
| | - Heather McDonald
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jane McNeilly
- Department of Biochemistry, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - Therese Bradley
- Department of Laboratory Genetics, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - Daniel Wood
- Department of Laboratory Genetics, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - Helen McDevitt
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, UK
| | - James Houston
- Child Protection Service, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, UK
| | - Avril Mason
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Charoenngam N, Ayoub D, Holick MF. Nutritional rickets and vitamin D deficiency: consequences and strategies for treatment and prevention. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2022; 17:1-14. [PMID: 35852141 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2022.2099374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rickets is typically characterized by bone deformities due to defective bone mineralization and chondrocyte maturation in growing bones. However, infantile rickets often goes unrecognized, because the skeletal abnormalities are more subtle and often can only be detected radiologically. Nutritional rickets is a major public health concern in several regions worldwide. It is most commonly caused by vitamin D and/or calcium deficiency. AREA COVERED We provide an overview of historical perspective, epidemiology, and pathophysiology of nutritional rickets. Additionally, we outline diagnostic approaches and highlight challenges in radiographic diagnosis of rickets. Finally, we present strategies for prevention and treatment of rickets. EXPERT OPINION Despite the evidence from clinical databases that rickets is a rare disease, it is likely that rickets is clinically underdiagnosed as studies designed to screen healthy children for radiographic evidence of rickets reported surprisingly much higher prevalence. It has been reported that some of the radiologic features of rickets can be misinterpreted as fractures. To prevent nutritional rickets, most if not all infants and young children, should receive vitamin D from formulas and foods that are fortified with vitamin D or supplementation to achieve a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D of at least 20 ng/mL as recommended by the Institute of Medicine. It has been recommended by the Endocrine Society that to achieve maximum bone health for children and adults, a serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D should be at least 30 ng/mL and preferably 40-60 ng/mL. Pregnant women who are unable to obtain an adequate amount of vitamin D from sunlight exposure and natural and fortified diets should take a vitamin D supplement of 1500-2000 IUs daily as recommended by the Endocrine Society since it has been demonstrated that 600 IUs daily will not maintain a circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D of at least 20 ng/mL and most pregnant women. If lactating women take approximately 6400 IUs of vitamin D daily, they provide enough vitamin D in their milk to satisfy their infant's requirement thereby preventing rickets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nipith Charoenngam
- Section Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition and Weight Management, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Medicine, Mount Auburn Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Michael F Holick
- Section Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition and Weight Management, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Vitamin D, rickets and child abuse: controversies and evidence. Pediatr Radiol 2021; 51:1014-1022. [PMID: 33999242 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-020-04893-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Suboptimal vitamin D status is a global health issue that affects children and adults worldwide. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency has been well documented in the pediatric population in the United States. Although vitamin D deficiency is common, radiographic findings are uncommon and can be subtle. Additionally, because of the high prevalence of pediatric vitamin D insufficiency, it is commonly identified in young children with fractures. However, the majority of pediatric fractures are caused by trauma to healthy bones. Some, especially in infants and toddlers, are caused by non-accidental trauma. A small percentage is related to medical disease, including those associated with disorders of collagen, disorders of mineralization, and non-fracture mimics. Despite the scientific evidence, among disorders of mineralization, non-rachitic disorders of vitamin D have become a popular non-scientific theory to explain the fractures identified in abused children. Although infants and young children with rickets can fracture bones, the vast majority of fractures identified in abused infants are not caused by bone disease. Here we present a review of the literature on bone disease in the setting of accidental and non-accidental trauma. This context can help physicians remain vigilant about identifying vulnerable young children whose injuries are caused by non-accidental trauma.
Collapse
|
4
|
Servaes S, States L, Wood J, Schilling S, Christian CW. Rachitic change and vitamin D status in young children with fractures. Skeletal Radiol 2020; 49:85-91. [PMID: 31243488 DOI: 10.1007/s00256-019-03261-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association between rachitic changes and vitamin D levels in children less than 2 years old with fractures. METHODS Children less than 2 years old who were admitted to a large children's hospital for a fracture and underwent a skeletal survey were included. Two pediatric radiologists blinded to the children's vitamin D levels independently reviewed the skeletal surveys for the following rachitic findings: demineralization, widened sutures, rachitic rosary, Looser zones, and metaphyseal changes. Kappa coefficients were calculated to assess inter-rater agreement. Logistic regression was used to test the association between vitamin D level and rachitic findings. RESULTS There were 79 subjects (40 female and 39 male) with a median age of 4 months. Vitamin D levels ranged from 11.6 to 88.9 ng/ml and were low in 27. Questionable demineralization was noted in seven subjects; mild to moderate demineralization was observed in four subjects. Widened sutures were noted in seven subjects, many also with concurrent intracranial hemorrhage. Lower vitamin D levels were associated with increased odds of demineralization after adjusting for age, gender, and prematurity (P < 0.015). An association was not found between the vitamin D level and suture widening (P = 0.07). None of the cases demonstrated Looser zones, rachitic rosary, or metaphyseal changes of rickets. CONCLUSIONS Infants and toddlers with fractures frequently have suboptimal vitamin D levels, but radiographic evidence of rickets is uncommon in these children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabah Servaes
- Department of Radiology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th Street and Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Lisa States
- Department of Radiology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th Street and Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Joanne Wood
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Samantha Schilling
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Cindy W Christian
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Paterson CR. Broken bones and irresponsible testimony? Am J Med Genet A 2019; 179:2333-2334. [DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.61349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
|
6
|
Rolfes MC, Deyle DR, King KS, Hand JL, Graff AH, Derauf C. Fracture incidence in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome - A population-based case-control study. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2019; 91:95-101. [PMID: 30856599 PMCID: PMC7064152 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The differential diagnosis of non-accidental injury during childhood includes medical conditions that predispose to skeletal fragility. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) has been proposed as one such condition despite little objective evidence in the medical literature. OBJECTIVE To investigate if EDS causes increased bone fragility during infancy and childhood. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Residents of an 8-county region in southern Minnesota using the Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP) medical records-linkage system. METHODS This retrospective, population-based, case-control study identified subjects with EDS from 1976 to 2015 who had complete records for at least their first year of life. Validity of diagnosis was ascertained using the 2017 International Classification of the Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes. Records were reviewed for fracture diagnoses that were characterized by age, location, type and mechanism. RESULTS Of 219 potential cases, 21 had complete records for the first year of life and sufficient evidence in the medical record to support an EDS diagnosis. Of these 21, there were 14 hypermobile, 2 classical, 4 vascular, and 1 arthrochalasia EDS subtypes. 11 of 21 EDS cases (52.4%) and 15 of 63 controls (23.8%) had one or more fractures during childhood. No fractures were identified in the first year of life. Comparing cases to controls, EDS was associated with having any fractures during childhood with an odds ratio of 3.4 (95% CI: 1.20-9.66). CONCLUSIONS We found no evidence that infants with common forms of EDS are predisposed to more frequent fractures. Ambulatory subjects with these EDS subtypes may have a higher incidence of fractures during childhood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary C Rolfes
- Mayo Clinic School of Medicine - Minnesota Campus, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - David R Deyle
- Departments of Clinical Genomics and Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - Katherine S King
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
| | - Jennifer L Hand
- Departments of Dermatology, Clinical Genomics, and Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
| | - Arne H Graff
- Departments of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine and Family Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | - Chris Derauf
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cannell J, Holick MF. Response to Culotta et al. regarding Letter to the Editor about "Multiple unexplained fractures in infants and child physical abuse" by Paige Culotta MD, Amy Mehollin-Ray MD, and Marcella Donaruma-Kwoh MD. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 186:228-231. [PMID: 30665621 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2018.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
8
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Munns CF, Shaw N, Kiely M, Specker BL, Thacher TD, Ozono K, Michigami T, Tiosano D, Mughal MZ, Mäkitie O, Ramos-Abad L, Ward L, DiMeglio LA, Atapattu N, Cassinelli H, Braegger C, Pettifor JM, Seth A, Idris HW, Bhatia V, Fu J, Goldberg G, Sävendahl L, Khadgawat R, Pludowski P, Maddock J, Hyppönen E, Oduwole A, Frew E, Aguiar M, Tulchinsky T, Butler G, Högler W. Global Consensus Recommendations on Prevention and Management of Nutritional Rickets. Horm Res Paediatr 2016; 85:83-106. [PMID: 26741135 DOI: 10.1159/000443136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitamin D and calcium deficiencies are common worldwide, causing nutritional rickets and osteomalacia, which have a major impact on health, growth, and development of infants, children, and adolescents; the consequences can be lethal or can last into adulthood. The goals of this evidence-based consensus document are to provide health care professionals with guidance for prevention, diagnosis, and management of nutritional rickets and to provide policy makers with a framework to work toward its eradication. EVIDENCE A systematic literature search examining the definition, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of nutritional rickets in children was conducted. Evidence-based recommendations were developed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system that describes the strength of the recommendation and the quality of supporting evidence. PROCESS Thirty-three nominated experts in pediatric endocrinology, pediatrics, nutrition, epidemiology, public health, and health economics evaluated the evidence on specific questions within five working groups. The consensus group, representing 11 international scientific organizations, participated in a multiday conference in May 2014 to reach a global evidence-based consensus. RESULTS This consensus document defines nutritional rickets and its diagnostic criteria and describes the clinical management of rickets and osteomalacia. Risk factors, particularly in mothers and infants, are ranked, and specific prevention recommendations including food fortification and supplementation are offered for both the clinical and public health contexts. CONCLUSION Rickets, osteomalacia, and vitamin D and calcium deficiencies are preventable global public health problems in infants, children, and adolescents. Implementation of international rickets prevention programs, including supplementation and food fortification, is urgently required.
Collapse
|
11
|
Munns CF, Shaw N, Kiely M, Specker BL, Thacher TD, Ozono K, Michigami T, Tiosano D, Mughal MZ, Mäkitie O, Ramos-Abad L, Ward L, DiMeglio LA, Atapattu N, Cassinelli H, Braegger C, Pettifor JM, Seth A, Idris HW, Bhatia V, Fu J, Goldberg G, Sävendahl L, Khadgawat R, Pludowski P, Maddock J, Hyppönen E, Oduwole A, Frew E, Aguiar M, Tulchinsky T, Butler G, Högler W. Global Consensus Recommendations on Prevention and Management of Nutritional Rickets. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2016; 101:394-415. [PMID: 26745253 PMCID: PMC4880117 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2015-2175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 628] [Impact Index Per Article: 78.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitamin D and calcium deficiencies are common worldwide, causing nutritional rickets and osteomalacia, which have a major impact on health, growth, and development of infants, children, and adolescents; the consequences can be lethal or can last into adulthood. The goals of this evidence-based consensus document are to provide health care professionals with guidance for prevention, diagnosis, and management of nutritional rickets and to provide policy makers with a framework to work toward its eradication. EVIDENCE A systematic literature search examining the definition, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of nutritional rickets in children was conducted. Evidence-based recommendations were developed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system that describe the strength of the recommendation and the quality of supporting evidence. PROCESS Thirty-three nominated experts in pediatric endocrinology, pediatrics, nutrition, epidemiology, public health, and health economics evaluated the evidence on specific questions within five working groups. The consensus group, representing 11 international scientific organizations, participated in a multiday conference in May 2014 to reach a global evidence-based consensus. RESULTS This consensus document defines nutritional rickets and its diagnostic criteria and describes the clinical management of rickets and osteomalacia. Risk factors, particularly in mothers and infants, are ranked, and specific prevention recommendations including food fortification and supplementation are offered for both the clinical and public health contexts. CONCLUSION Rickets, osteomalacia, and vitamin D and calcium deficiencies are preventable global public health problems in infants, children, and adolescents. Implementation of international rickets prevention programs, including supplementation and food fortification, is urgently required.
Collapse
|
12
|
|
13
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charis Kepron
- Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada,
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Paterson CR, Ayoub D. Congenital rickets due to vitamin D deficiency in the mothers. Clin Nutr 2014; 34:793-8. [PMID: 25552383 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2014.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2014] [Revised: 10/25/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS We wished to review all published reports of congenital rickets to identify the causes and characteristics. METHODS 25 cases were identified in 19 published reports in which there was radiological and/or histological evidence of rickets in the first two weeks after birth. Cases of rickets associated with maternal renal failure were excluded as were infants born at less than 32 weeks gestation. RESULTS There was evidence of maternal deficiency in 24 of these cases. In 16 cases the diagnosis of the rickets led to the identification of symptomatic osteomalacia in the mothers. Of the 12 mothers who had assays for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) 11 had values less than 10 ng/mL. Presentations in the infants included craniotabes, wide skull sutures, rachitic rosaries, enlargement of the wrists, tetany and convulsions. In two cases rickets had been suspected from antenatal X-rays. In five cases fractures were found at the time of initial presentation. Of the 16 infants with serum calcium assays 15 had values lower than 8.8 mg/dL. Of 13 infants who had serum alkaline phosphatase assays 12 had abnormally high levels. Of the seven infants in whom serum 25OHD was measured before treatment, all had values less than 10 ng/mL. CONCLUSIONS These reports provide strong support for the view that maternal deficiency leads to overt bone disease from before birth. Maternal deficiency probably also leads to impairment of bone quality in postnatal life. The importance of ensuring adequate vitamin D nutrition in pregnancy is emphasised.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Colin R Paterson
- Formerly Department of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, UK.
| | - David Ayoub
- Clinical Radiologists SC, Springfield, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Dubowitz H, Christian CW, Hymel K, Kellogg ND. Forensic medical evaluations of child maltreatment: a proposed research agenda. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2014; 38:1734-1746. [PMID: 25224781 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2014.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Revised: 07/18/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Physicians play an important role in the forensic evaluation of suspected child abuse and neglect. There has been considerable progress in the medical field, helping distinguish findings related to maltreatment from other conditions or circumstances. Nevertheless, important questions remain. This article covers several of these questions and proposes a research agenda concerning five main topics: sexual abuse, neglect, fractures, abusive head trauma, and physicians work in interdisciplinary settings. The suggestions are hardly inclusive, but offer suggestions the authors think are priorities, and ones that research could reasonably address. By providing some background to gaps in our knowledge, this paper should be of interest to a broader audience than just medical professionals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Cindy W Christian
- The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Nancy D Kellogg
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
A critical review of the classic metaphyseal lesion: traumatic or metabolic? AJR Am J Roentgenol 2014; 202:185-96. [PMID: 24370143 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.13.10540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to review the hypothesis that classic metaphyseal lesions represent traumatic changes in abused infants and compare these lesions with healing rickets. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using a PubMed search, a multidisciplinary team reviewed studies that reported the histopathologic correlation of classic metaphyseal lesions. Selective studies of growth plate injury and rickets were cross-referenced. RESULTS Nine identified classic metaphyseal lesion studies were performed by the same principal investigator. Control subjects were inadequate. Details of abuse determination and metabolic bone disease exclusion were lacking. The presence of only a single radiology reviewer prevented establishment of interobserver variability. Microscopy was performed by two researchers who were not pathologists. Classic metaphyseal lesions have not been experimentally reproduced and are unrecognized in the accidental trauma literature. The proposed primary spongiosa location is inconsistent with the variable radiographic appearances. Classic metaphyseal lesions were not differentiated from tissue processing artifacts. Bleeding and callus were uncommon in spite of the vascular nature of the metaphysis. The conclusion that excessive hypertrophic chondrocytes secondary to vascular disruption were indicative of fracture healing contradicts the paucity of bleeding, callus, and periosteal reaction. Several similarities exist between classic metaphyseal lesions and healing rickets, including excessive hypertrophic chondrocytes. "Bucket-handle" and "corner fracture" classic metaphyseal lesions resemble healing rickets within the growth plate and the perichondrial ring, respectively. The age of presentation was more typical of bone fragility disorders, including rickets, than reported in prior child abuse series. CONCLUSION The hypothesis that classic metaphyseal lesions are secondary to child abuse is poorly supported. Their histologic and radiographic features are similar to healing infantile rickets. Until classic metaphyseal lesions are experimentally replicated and independently validated, their traumatic origin remains unsubstantiated.
Collapse
|
17
|
Affiliation(s)
- David Ayoub
- Clinical Radiologists, SC, Memorial Medical Center, Department of Radiology, 801 N First Street, Springfield, Illinois USA 62781, E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
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
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW At the turn of the last century, rickets (vitamin D deficiency) was one of the most common musculoskeletal diseases of the paediatric population presenting to physicians. Today, the most common referral pathway for these patients ends in a paediatric orthopaedic outpatient clinic. Vitamin D deficiency is a clinical entity that can affect all children and should be looked for in all children with musculoskeletal symptoms. RECENT FINDINGS The child at risk of rickets is now white, breastfed, protected from the sun and obese. Vitamin D deficiency can present as atypical muscular pain, pathological fractures or slipped upper femoral epiphysis. Obesity is linked with lower vitamin D levels; however, in the paediatric population, this does not necessarily equal clinical disorder. Vitamin D supplements can be used to reduce the risk of pathological fractures in the cerebral palsy child. It should also form part of the differential diagnosis in the work-up of nonaccidental injuries. Children with a low vitamin D present with a higher incidence of fractures from normal activities. Vitamin D levels need to be assessed before any form of orthopaedic surgery, as it can affect growth, both in the diaphysis of the bone and in the growth plate. SUMMARY Vitamin D levels are a key element in the successful practice of paediatric orthopaedics. It is not just the possible cause of disorder presenting to the clinician but also extremely important in ensuring the successful postoperative recovery of the patient.
Collapse
|
20
|
Incidental Rickets in the Emergency Department Setting. Case Rep Med 2012; 2012:163289. [PMID: 23093967 PMCID: PMC3474320 DOI: 10.1155/2012/163289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Revised: 09/07/2012] [Accepted: 09/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D deficiency rickets is a childhood osteomalacia, with impaired skeletal development and potentially skeletal deformities. The radiographic findings of rickets are many but include widening, fraying, and cupping of the metaphysis. Developmental delay and related complications of seizure and tetany have also been reported. This medical entity is often thought of as a classic medical disease of the past. However, it persists, and the recognition of rickets is on the rise. The reemergence of rickets correlates with the increase in the number of children exclusively breastfed and with the frequent use of sun block in the pediatric population. We present two cases of rickets, diagnosed through a visit to the Emergency Department made for unrelated symptoms. These two cases illustrate the importance of diagnosing rickets as an “incidental” finding. With early detection, dietary supplementation can be initiated potentially sparing the patient symptomatic disease.
Collapse
|
21
|
Paterson CR, Mole PA. Joint laxity in the parents of children with temporary brittle bone disease. Rheumatol Int 2011; 32:2843-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s00296-011-2073-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2011] [Accepted: 08/21/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
|
22
|
|
23
|
Paterson CR, Monk EA. Temporary brittle bone disease: relationship between clinical findings and judicial outcome. Pediatr Rep 2011; 3:e24. [PMID: 22053268 PMCID: PMC3207312 DOI: 10.4081/pr.2011.e24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2011] [Accepted: 09/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a wide differential diagnosis for the child with unexplained fractures including non-accidental injury, osteogenesis imperfecta and vitamin D deficiency rickets. Over the last 20 years we and others have described a self-limiting syndrome characterised by fractures in the first year of life. This has been given the provisional name temporary brittle bone disease. This work had proved controversial mostly because the fractures, including rib fractures and metaphyseal fractures, were those previously regarded as typical or even diagnostic of non-accidental injury. Some have asserted that the condition does not exist. Over the years 1985 to 2000 we investigated 87 such cases with fractures with a view to determining the future care of the children. In 85 of these the judiciary was involved. We examined the clinical and radiological findings in the 33 cases in which there was a judicial finding of abuse, the 24 cases in which the parents were exonerated and the 28 cases in which no formal judicial finding was made. The three groups of patients were similar in terms of demographics, age at fracturing and details of the fractures. The clinical similarities between the three groups of patients contrast with the very different results of the judicial process.
Collapse
|
24
|
|
25
|
Schilling S, Wood JN, Levine MA, Langdon D, Christian CW. Vitamin D status in abused and nonabused children younger than 2 years old with fractures. Pediatrics 2011; 127:835-41. [PMID: 21482609 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2010-0533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine vitamin D levels in children with (1) suspected abusive and accidental fractures, (2) single and multiple fractures, and (3) fracture types highly associated with inflicted trauma. DESIGN AND METHODS A study of children younger than 2 years of age with fractures admitted to a large children's hospital was performed. Bivariate analysis and test for trend were performed to test for the association of vitamin D status and biochemical markers of bone health with the primary outcomes of fracture etiology, number, and type. RESULTS Of 118 subjects in the study, 8% had deficient vitamin D levels (<20 ng/mL; <50 nmol/L), 31% were insufficient (≥20 < 30 ng/mL; ≥50 < 78 nmol/L), and 61% were sufficient (≥30 ng/mL; ≥78 nmol/L). Lower vitamin D levels were associated with higher incidences of hypocalcemia (P = .002) and elevated alkaline phosphatase (P = .05) but not hypophosphatemia (P = .30). The majority of children sustained accidental fractures (60%); 31% were nonaccidental and 9% were indeterminate. There was no association between vitamin D levels and any of the following outcomes: child abuse diagnosis (P = .32), multiple fractures (P = .24), rib fractures (P = .16), or metaphyseal fractures (P = .49). CONCLUSIONS Vitamin D insufficiency was common in young children with fractures but was not more common than in previously studied healthy children. Vitamin D insufficiency was not associated with multiple fractures or diagnosis of child abuse. Nonaccidental trauma remains the most common cause of multiple fractures in young children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Schilling
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th St and Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Shles A, Fainmesser P, Eliakim A, Nemet D. Child abuse suspicion masquerading new onset insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2011; 24:823-5. [PMID: 22145485 DOI: 10.1515/jpem.2011.284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The identification and diagnosis of child abuse is a challenging task to the pediatrician. The increased awareness among both the public and medical personnel, while improving attentiveness to this important subject, can sometimes result in misdiagnosing medical conditions, thus causing distress and delay in required treatment. Numerous reports have described conditions mimicking non-accidental injuries; most of these include dermatological findings related to skin diseases, medical conditions causing pathological fractures, and rare diseases with unusual physical findings. We present a case of a 9.5-year-old child in which the workup for a suspected abusive event led to a delay in the diagnosis of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus later presented as diabetic ketoacidosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayelet Shles
- Pediatric Emergency Care Unit, Pediatric Department, Meir Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Kfar-Saba, Israel
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Current world literature. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2010; 17:384-93. [PMID: 20588116 DOI: 10.1097/med.0b013e32833c4b2b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
28
|
Affiliation(s)
- K W Feldman
- The Department of Pediatrics, General Pediatric Division, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Affiliation(s)
- Carole Jenny
- Pediatrics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02906, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
|
31
|
Affiliation(s)
- Marvin Miller
- Departments of Pediatrics, Ob/Gyn and Biomedical Engineering, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, OH 45404, USA.
| |
Collapse
|