Rickets News and Research

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Rickets is a condition that causes children to have soft, weak bones. It usually occurs when children do not get enough vitamin D, which helps growing bones absorb important nutrients. Vitamin D comes from sunlight and food. Skin produces vitamin D in response to the sun's rays. Some foods also contain vitamin D, including fortified dairy products and cereals, and some kinds of fish.

Raptor Pharmaceutical announces Phase 2b results of DR Cysteamine trial

Raptor Pharmaceutical Corp., today announced results from a Phase 2b clinical trial of its proprietary delayed-release cysteamine bitartrate ("DR Cysteamine") in patients with nephropathic cystinosis ("cystinosis"). The trial, conducted at the University of California, San Diego ("UCSD") General Clinical Research Center, evaluated safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a single dose of DR Cysteamine in nine cystinosis patients.

23 Nov 2009

Common myths about sun exposure, sunscreen and vitamin D

When it comes to vitamin D, consumers are bombarded with mixed messages about the best source for this essential nutrient. While some may argue that small doses of intentional sun exposure are safe, dermatologists point out that the risk of developing skin cancer from ultraviolet (UV) radiation far outweighs the benefit of stimulating vitamin D production - particularly when enriched foods and supplements are safe and effective sources of this vitamin.

11 Nov 2009

Enobia Pharma initiates study of bone-targeted enzyme replacement therapy for hypophosphatasia

Enobia Pharma announced today the initiation of a Phase 2 clinical study of ENB-0040, a bone-targeted enzyme replacement therapy, under investigation for the treatment of hypophosphatasia (HPP). The six-month study will assess the safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetics of ENB-0040 in up to 12 children with HPP.

4 Nov 2009

Individualized MicroNutrient Testing for patients

In response to the current trend toward personalized medicine, the Beaumont Weight Control Center, affiliated with Beaumont Hospitals, a major Detroit-area health system, now offers individualized MicroNutrient Testing for patients.

31 Oct 2009

Millions of children in the US suffer from suboptimal levels of vitamin D

Millions of children in the United States between the ages of 1 and 11 may suffer from suboptimal levels of vitamin D, according to a large nationally representative study published in the November 2009 issue of Pediatrics, accompanied by an editorial.

26 Oct 2009

Parathyroid gland transplants may prevent untreatable form of bone loss

An early laboratory success is taking University of Michigan researchers a step closer to parathyroid gland transplants that could one day prevent a currently untreatable form of bone loss associated with thyroid surgery.

30 Sep 2009

Book on pediatric bone disorders and mineral metabolism

Summarizing current knowledge, the physiology of calcium, magnesium and phosphate metabolism, the technique of bone biopsy and uses and pitfalls of bone density scanning are discussed. The main part of this publication describes in detail the disorders associated with hypocalcemia, hypercalcemia, rickets, phosphate metabolism, primary and secondary osteoporosis. The genetic nature of many of these conditions is highlighted and each condition is referred to by the number of its OMIM entry. The final chapter, which distinguishes this book from previous publications on the topic, comprises case reports illustrating some of the problems that are examined in previous chapters.

21 Sep 2009

Enobia Pharma's clinical study of ENB-0040 for treating hypophosphatasia provides positive results

Enobia Pharma today announced positive data from a clinical study of ENB-0040, a bone targeted enzyme replacement therapy, under investigation for the treatment of hypophosphatasia (HPP). After six months of treatment with ENB-0040, four of five severely affected patients showed marked improvements in bone mineralization, correction of skeletal defects, better respiratory function, including weaning from assisted ventilation, and cognitive and motor development.

14 Sep 2009

Many patients in intensive care are deficient in vitamin D

Australian researchers have discovered that many critically ill patients in intensive care are deficient in vitamin D.

30 Apr 2009

Link found between vitamin D insufficiency and asthma severity

Serum levels of vitamin D in more than 600 Costa Rican children were inversely linked to several indicators of allergy and asthma severity, including hospitalizations for asthma, use of inhaled steroids and total IgE levels, according to a study that will appear in the first issue for May of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

23 Apr 2009

Women who wear veils risk vitamin D deficiency

A study by Australian scientists has found that women who wear veils for religious or cultural reasons may not be getting enough vitamin D.

20 Apr 2009

Increasing number of Americans have insufficient levels of vitamin D

Average blood levels of vitamin D appear to have decreased in the United States between 1994 and 2004, according to a report in the March 23 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine.

23 Mar 2009

One in seven American adolescents is vitamin D deficient

One in seven American adolescents is vitamin D deficient, according to a new study by researchers in the Department of Public Health at Weill Cornell Medical College.

11 Mar 2009

Low levels of vitamin D linked to several risk factors in teenagers

Low levels of vitamin D were associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, high blood sugar and metabolic syndrome in teenagers, researchers reported at the American Heart Association's 49th Annual Conference on Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention.

11 Mar 2009

New microgel capsules trap omega-3 fatty acids

Nutritionists are nearly unanimous in recommending that Americans should eat significantly more omega-3 fatty acids and consume them in foods, not in vitamin pills.

4 Mar 2009

Vitamin D related to muscle power, force, velocity and jump height in adolescent girls

Vitamin D is significantly associated with muscle power and force in adolescent girls, according to a new study accepted for publication in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism ( JCEM ).

3 Feb 2009

Research highlights recognized disease risks associated with vitamin D deficiency

Once believed to be important only for bone health, vitamin D is now seen as having a critical function in maintaining the immune system throughout life.

17 Dec 2008

Experts say double the daily dose of vitamin D for children

The American Academy of Pediatrics says children - from newborns up to teenagers - should be given double the current recommended amount of vitamin D because research has shown it may help prevent serious diseases.

14 Oct 2008

Children with cystic fibrosis not well covered by guidelines for vitamin D needs

Existing recommendations for treating vitamin D deficiency in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) are too low to cover the serious need, leaving most at high risk for bone loss and rickets, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center.

12 Oct 2008

Exclusive breastfeeding increases child's risk for vitamin D deficiency; black, darker-skinned children already have increased risk

Exclusive breastfeeding can increase a child's risk of developing rickets because breast milk alone does not provide adequate levels of vitamin D, a critical ingredient that helps to absorb calcium and build strong bones, the New York Times reports. Rickets develops when a child's vitamin D levels are too low and is characterized by the curving of a child's legs and the softening of other bones. Some children are asymptomatic.

28 Aug 2008