Rickets, active
ICD-10 E55.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rickets, active.
Rickets is a skeletal disorder characterized by the softening and weakening of bones in children, primarily due to a deficiency in vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate. Active rickets occurs when there is a significant deficiency of vitamin D, leading to impaired calcium absorption and subsequent bone mineralization. This condition manifests as bone pain, delayed growth, and skeletal deformities such as bowed legs or a protruding abdomen. The primary cause of rickets is inadequate dietary intake of vitamin D, often exacerbated by limited sun exposure, particularly in populations with darker skin or those living in northern latitudes. Other contributing factors include malabsorption syndromes and certain genetic disorders. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through clinical evaluation, radiographic findings, and laboratory tests showing low serum levels of vitamin D and calcium. Treatment involves nutritional supplementation with vitamin D and calcium, alongside dietary modifications to ensure adequate intake of these essential nutrients.
Detailed growth charts, dietary assessments, and laboratory results.
Children presenting with bone pain, delayed milestones, or skeletal deformities.
Ensure that all relevant dietary and environmental factors are documented.
Thorough evaluation of metabolic bone disease, including hormonal assessments.
Patients with underlying metabolic disorders affecting calcium and vitamin D metabolism.
Document any underlying conditions that may contribute to rickets.
Used for follow-up visits to monitor rickets treatment.
Document history, examination findings, and treatment plan.
Pediatricians should ensure growth parameters are included.
Common symptoms include bone pain, delayed growth, skeletal deformities such as bowed legs, and muscle weakness.
Rickets is diagnosed through clinical evaluation, radiographic findings, and laboratory tests showing low levels of vitamin D and calcium.
Increasing intake of vitamin D-rich foods such as fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and egg yolks, along with adequate sun exposure, can help prevent rickets.
