DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjmcr.2024.v12i08.030

Pages: 1478-1481

This article presents the clinical case of J.S.M., a 26-month-old child residing in a rural community in northeastern Brazil, diagnosed with severe nutritional rickets due to vitamin D deficiency. The child was referred to the primary health unit due to delays in motor development, deformities in the lower limbs, and symptoms of irritability and bone pain. The clinical history revealed a lack of vitamin D supplementation, a diet deficient in essential nutrients, and limited sun exposure. Physical examination and laboratory tests confirmed hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, and critically low vitamin D levels, as well as characteristic bone deformities of rickets. Initial treatment included vitamin D and calcium supplementation, with improvements in laboratory parameters after 4 months of follow-up. However, persistent bone deformities indicated the need for consideration of surgical correction. The case highlights the importance of early detection, appropriate treatment, and the need for public health policies focused on preventing rickets in vulnerable populations.