Delayed proximal femural nuclei calcification: Etiopathogenesis, prognosis and therapy

A favourable prognosis of delayed proximal femural nuclei calcification is possible provided that a correct diagnosis and therapy are timely insaturated. Radiological evidence can be considered a sligh expression of common rickets caused by immature calcium metabolism (in infants) and by a reduced exposure to sunlight. The incidence of this type of rickets is about 10% it's more frequent in female (4:1), peaking between 6-24 months. In this study we have considered 25 patients with serious hypoplasia of femural proximal nuclei and 22 without any Rx signs of calcification nuclei. The dose of 25 OH D3 (Didrogyl) was different according to weight: patients below 10 Kg received 2 gtt/day whereas patients over 10 Kg had 3 gtt/day. (Dosages ranging from 400 to 600 U.I.). The treatment of 15 days in a month has been repeated for three times. During the therapy the level of urinary calcium excretion didn't increase. The radiological survey, in the first three months has showed a complete resolution in 15 patients (7 with severe hypoplasia and 9 with delayed calcification). Some infants with delayed calcification continued the therapy for 3 or 4 more months. Many factors appear to be important in inducing this pathology, mainly hormones and obesity. The diet seems to be less responsible.