Unusual presentation of vitamin D deficiency rickets in a 6 day old extremely low birth weight baby

Abstract

Clinical and biochemical signs of vitamin D deficiency in early neonatal period may be different from those of classic rickets. The most common presenting symptom in this age group is either incidental hypocalcemia or seizure, whereas skeletal deformities are minimal. This case report describes an extremely low birth weight baby who presented with clinical signs of rickets in the early neonatal period. Over a period of 6?week, his phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, urinary calcium/creatinine, and urinary calcium/phosphorus ratio started improving. Between 1 and 4 months of age his abnormal biochemical findings showed significant
improvement. This case report highlights the fact that pregnant women should be informed, at their first antenatal visit, of the importance of adequate vitamin D intake.