Rachitic deformities of lower members in congolese children

Description: To analyse risk factors in rachitic Congolese children with serious deformities in their lower members and to describe the lesions.
RESULTS: The most frequent deformity was genu varum (58.2%), followed by windsept (23.7%) and genu valgum (13.9%). Genu varum predominated in girls of between 2-4 years (p=0.0025). We found florid rickets in 19.1% of the cases, moderate in 15.5%, minimal in 14.2% and osseous deformities alone without active rachitism in 41.2%. Of the parameters analysed, the most important risk factor was being a twin (OR=25.43 ; 95% CI=3.76-1098.27), followed by lack of sunlight (OR=18.39, 95% CI=6.69-61.55) and having a rachitic sibling. Maternal feeding was a protective factor (OR=0.94, 95% CI=0.90-0.98). Premature birth and low weight at birth had no influence. Walking age was 15.4 months in the rachitic cases and 12.4 months in the control group (p<0,01). CONCLUSION: Severe deformities of lower members as a sequel to rickets are frequent; they are associated with being a twin, lack of sunlight and precocious weaning.
Echarri JJ, Bazeboso JA, Guillém-Grima F. An Sist Sanit Navar. 2008 Sep-Dec;31(3):235-40. Full text available in Spanish