Morphological features of bone in calcium and vitamin D deficiency

The authors aim to identify morphological features of the bone abnormal development caused by calcium and vitamin D deficiency (CDD) and possible risk factors in the occurrence of these changes. The study is conducted on a selected group of 102 children aged 10-12 years with bone changes due to CDD, diagnosed and treated in Constanţa City from 2000 - 2010. For cases where the same child presented several bone deformities, we considered every bone deformity as an independent entity. In this study we observed deformation of the bones of the skull, prominent frontal bone 62 cases (60.78%); “beads rib” 49 cases (48.03%) sub mammary grooves 31 cases (30.32%), increasing the volume of knee joint 75 cases (73.52%) and wrist 68 cases (66.66%). The changes visible under direct examination are accompanied by structural changes visible by radiological exam, so the epiphysis plate has an irregular appearance (35 cases), serrated (35 cases), are enlarged (34 cases) or cup (31 cases). Analysis of sex distribution shows higher involvement of male children, sex ratio 3/1. Age group most affected in the studied group is 3-36 months. Skeletal deformities in CDD conditions are associated with peculiar situations of risk: monthly income below Average 72 cases (70.5%), increased pigmentation of the skin 61 (59.8%), prematurity 20 (19.6%). Increased incidence of developmental abnormalities of the bones due to CDD in the studied group and in different regions (England, Turkey, USA, etc) in recent years coincides with modern life style, which involves skin protection against solar radiation and a lack of exposure to sunlight.