Early clinical rickets and its association with malnutrition

A prospective study of health indicators in a cohort of 600 infants seen from birth to 2 years of age at a 4-monthly interval allowed the authors to identify the high prevalence (17.1 per cent) of clinical rickets in very young infants in Tunisia. A frequent association of clinical signs of rickets with malnutrition is also observed. The following aetiological factors are discussed: poor socio-economic family background, high parity, badly balanced maternal diet during pregnancy (with a high cereal content rich in phytates), prolonged breast-feeding, intra-uterine repeated infections.In a comprehensive health programme, this study emphasizes the need for the integration of prenatal clinics, family planning activities, and under fives clinics. The administration of vitamin D late in the pregnancy or to the neonate is proposed. © 1987 Oxford University Press.