Nutritional rickets: Correlation between clinical, biochemical and radiological profile

Objective: To determine the correlation between clinical manifestations, biochemical and radiological profile in children with nutritional rickets. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study conducted at paediatric ward of a private sector health facility, Kutyana Memon Hospital Kharadar Karachi. A total of hundred patients aged 2 to 36 months with clinical suspicion of nutritional rickets were included in the study. A detailed history and examination was done and relevant investigations including serum calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase and X-ray wrist joints were done to confirm the diagnosis. Data was analyzed and presented as percentages and frequencies. Results: There were 63% males and 37% females. Majority of children were between 6 to 18 months of age, (49%) followed by 2-6 months (44%) and 18 to 36 months (07%). Rachitic rosary was the most frequent clinical feature observed in 87% followed by widening of wrist joints in 76% cases. Serum calcium was low in 90% cases and serum alkaline phosphatase was increased in all patients. Serum phosphate was either low or normal in 44% cases each. Radiological findings were suggestive of rickets in 54% cases. Conclusion: Clinical and Biochemical markers are reliable indicators for diagnosis of nutritional rickets. which is more frequent between 2 to 18 months of age.