Work

Rickets Secondary to Distal Renal Tubular Acidosis: A Rare Etiology With a Five-Year Follow-Up of Clinical and Radiological Outcomes and Literature Review

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) is one of the rare causes of rickets in children. In this case report, we describe a 13-year-old male patient who presented with short stature, bilateral genu valgum, and a history of recurrent weakness in the lower limbs. Radiological observations were consistent with rickets with bony deformities. Detailed evaluation revealed normal serum vitamin D levels and normal anion gap metabolic acidosis with hypokalemia and hyperchloremia. Subsequent investigations led to the diagnosis of dRTA (type 1). The patient was treated with alkali therapy and potassium supplementation and was monitored over a five-year period, during which progressive improvement in clinical manifestations and radiological and biochemical parameters were observed. This case report underscores the importance of systematic assessment of nonnutritional causes of rickets in pediatric patients. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term complications, including growth failure and bone deformities.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.78454

Authors: Hiba Nasar, Imad Nasar, Maryam G Ansari, Ariba Nasar, Ahmad G Ansari

Institutions: Aligarh Muslim University, Ras al-Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University, Baba Raghav Das Medical College

Language: English

Topic: Renal function and acid-base balance

Subfield: Nephrology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4407094329