Osteomalacia
Is the softening of bones caused by a deficiency of vitamin D or problems with the metabolism (breakdown and use) of this vitamin. These softer bones have a normal amount of collagen that gives structure to bones, but lack of calcium.Causes and Risk Factors
Numerous causes of osteomalacia. In children, the condition is called rickets and causes often deficient in vitamin D.
Conditions that can lead to osteomalacia include:
Other conditions that may cause osteomalacia include:
The use of strong sunscreen, limited exposure of the body to sunlight, short days of sunlight, and smog are factors that reduce formation of vitamin D in the body.
Risk factors for osteomalacia are related to the causes. Among the elderly, there is an increased risk in those who tend to remain indoors and those who avoid milk because of lactose intolerance.
Symptoms
Symptoms associated with low levels of calcium include:
Signs and tests
You can perform other tests to determine if a kidney problem or any other underlying disorder. These may include:
Treatment
May be given oral supplements of vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus, depending on the underlying cause of the disorder. They may require large doses of vitamin D and calcium in people with intestinal malabsorption.
You may also require controlling the levels of phosphorus and calcium in the blood in people with certain underlying conditions.Expectations (prognosis)
Improving the condition of the bones, seen through bone radiographs, can be seen in a few weeks in some people with vitamin deficiency disorders. Complete healing with this treatment is given within six months.Complications
The reappearance of symptoms is a possible complication.Calling your health care
The person should seek medical attention if symptoms of osteomalacia or think you may be at risk.Prevention
Adults can prevent osteomalacia resulting from vitamin D deficiency with an adequate intake of dairy products fortified with this vitamin, as with adequate exposure to sunlight.
source: clinicadam.com
READ MORE - Osteomalacia: symptomes, sign and treatment
Is the softening of bones caused by a deficiency of vitamin D or problems with the metabolism (breakdown and use) of this vitamin. These softer bones have a normal amount of collagen that gives structure to bones, but lack of calcium.Causes and Risk Factors
Numerous causes of osteomalacia. In children, the condition is called rickets and causes often deficient in vitamin D.
Conditions that can lead to osteomalacia include:
- Not enough vitamin D in the diet
- Enough exposure to sunlight, which produces vitamin D in the body
- Malabsorption of vitamin D from the gut
Other conditions that may cause osteomalacia include:
- Hereditary or acquired disorders of the metabolism of vitamin D
- Kidney failure and acidosis
- Renal phosphate consumption associated with diets deficient in
- Cancer
- Side effects of medications used to treat seizures
- Liver disease
The use of strong sunscreen, limited exposure of the body to sunlight, short days of sunlight, and smog are factors that reduce formation of vitamin D in the body.
Risk factors for osteomalacia are related to the causes. Among the elderly, there is an increased risk in those who tend to remain indoors and those who avoid milk because of lactose intolerance.
Symptoms
- Diffuse bone pain (not located at an exact point), especially in the hips
- Muscle weakness
- Bone fractures that occur with minimal trauma
Symptoms associated with low levels of calcium include:
- Numbness around the mouth
- Numbness of extremities
- Spasms of the hands and feet
- Abnormal heart rhythm
Signs and tests
- A bone biopsy shows osteomalacia
- The level of vitamin D levels may be low
- Serum calcium levels vary with the cause of the disorder
- Serum phosphate levels vary with the cause of the disorder
- Bone x-rays may show features of osteomalacia, such as bowed legs or "pseudofractures"
- A scan of the bone mineral density (DEXA) may show reduced bone density, a sign of weaker bones
You can perform other tests to determine if a kidney problem or any other underlying disorder. These may include:
- PTH
- Calcium (ionized)
- Isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
Treatment
May be given oral supplements of vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus, depending on the underlying cause of the disorder. They may require large doses of vitamin D and calcium in people with intestinal malabsorption.
You may also require controlling the levels of phosphorus and calcium in the blood in people with certain underlying conditions.Expectations (prognosis)
Improving the condition of the bones, seen through bone radiographs, can be seen in a few weeks in some people with vitamin deficiency disorders. Complete healing with this treatment is given within six months.Complications
The reappearance of symptoms is a possible complication.Calling your health care
The person should seek medical attention if symptoms of osteomalacia or think you may be at risk.Prevention
Adults can prevent osteomalacia resulting from vitamin D deficiency with an adequate intake of dairy products fortified with this vitamin, as with adequate exposure to sunlight.
source: clinicadam.com
