Updated: Feb 6, 2009
The term rickets evolved from the old English word wrick, which means "to twist." This twisting or bending of the bones has been known to physicians since antiquity and, as with many diseases, was gradually found to encompass more than a single etiology. Since the early 20th century, ultraviolet radiation or vitamin D ingestion has been recognized as a cure for nutritional rickets, although certain forms of rachitic disease have remained refractory to this therapy. Study of these refractory cases has revealed low serum phosphate concentration as a common factor. Familial occurrence of this condition led to the diagnosis of familial hypophosphatemic rickets. Treatment with vitamin D produced no change in the rachitic state of these patients, even at rather high doses, leading to the term vitamin D-resistant rickets.
In 1958, the definitive study of familial hypophosphatemic rickets gave legitimacy to the formal name of X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets.1 This amply detailed and large pedigree study defined hypophosphatemia as a highly reliable disease marker.
Serum phosphate reduction in relation to normal levels was equal for male and female subjects. Females generally had markedly less bone disease than males, suggesting the random inactivation of the affected X chromosome in females, as might be expected from the Lyon hypothesis. However, lowered serum phosphate levels correlated with an equal degree of renal tubular reduction of tubular time of maximal concentration (Tmax) of phosphate in both sexes, pointing to an additional factor in the creation of the bone disease in affected males. Although clinical response to different analogues of cholecalciferol suggests that the deficient factor may be 1-alpha-hydroxylation of the 25-hydroxycholecalciferol metabolite released from the liver; however, no direct evidence has been reported.
Several of the most vexing questions about the underlying mechanism that causes the clinical phenotype of X-linked hypophosphatemia remain unanswered. A key question awaiting explication concerns the equal degree of reduction in tubular Tmax in both sexes juxtaposed against the significant difference in clinical disease between the sexes. Another question involves the relationship between the reduced tubular Tmax and the reduced 1-alpha-hydroxylation of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol.
Great strides have been made in recent years, particularly with the cloning of the mutant gene known as PHEX. The change created in the gene is a loss-of-function mutation and results in reduced breakdown; hence, circulatory clearance of a substance known as fibroblast growth factor (FGF23). FGF23 acts on the kidney to cause increased phosphate excretion and decreased alpha-1 hydroxylase activity. The gene product is now known to be a zinc-metallopeptidase.
The PHEX gene, found on the X chromosome, is thought to protect an extracellular matrix glycoprotein (MEPES) from proteolysis through formation of a Zn-dependent protein-protein interaction. A mutated PHEX gene could result in failure to form this interaction, leading to proteolysis and release of the C-terminal ASARM peptide, which possesses phosphaturic and mineralization-inhibiting properties. These 2 mechanisms acting in synergy could account for the massive hyperphosphaturia in this disorder.
The pathogenesis of this disorder is clear; phosphate wasting at the proximal tubule level is the basis of the affected individual's inability to establish normal ossification. This phenomenon is secondary to defective regulation of the sodium-phosphate cotransporter in the epithelial cell brush border. Normal phosphate reabsorption in response to 1 a,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (calcitriol) provides clear evidence that the sodium-phosphate cotransporter is capable of proper function and is not intrinsically defective. This evidence also bolsters the hypothesis advanced above, which implicates an additional factor in the pathogenesis of the phosphaturia.
Inadequate levels of inorganic phosphate impair the function of mature osteoblasts (ie, bone matrix ossification), because formation of mature bone involves the precipitation of hydroxyapatite [3-Ca3 (PO4)2: Ca(OH)2] crystals. Although treatment with oral phosphate supplements should remedy the defect, all such attempts have failed. This failure could be due to the enhanced mineralization-inhibiting presence of ASARM peptide secondary to the mutated PHEX gene in bone.
The advantages of improved technology and hindsight now confirm that phosphate supplementation elicits a parathyroid hormone (PTH) response to the fall in serum calcium from the temporary surge in bone mineralization induced by phosphate ingestion. Following this surge is an immediate return to the initial status quo because PTH depresses phosphate reabsorption at the renal tubule. Recent data suggest that hyperparathyroidism may be a part of the clinical disorder preceding any therapy.
Although much has been learned about the pathophysiology of this fascinating disorder in the 4 decades since its original definition, a great deal more remains undiscovered.
The frequency is unknown.
The nomenclature alone indicates that the chief aspects of morbidity in X-linked hypophosphatemia are the metabolic processes linked to phosphate. Clinically, the most obvious of these aspects is the effect on bone formation and growth that causes very severe rickets, especially in affected males. The early development of rickets indicates alterations in the orderly processes of bone growth and remodeling that cause bone deformation.
Abnormal dentine formation causes late dentition and spontaneous abscess formation.
Although serum phosphate levels are similarly depressed in affected males and females, the degree of bone involvement is substantially less severe in heterozygous females. All hemizygous males are clinically affected.
As in all genetic disorders, hypophosphatemic rickets is present from conception. Infant birth weight is generally normal, but early growth may be slower than normal. The author's experience indicates abnormalities are common at birth, including cranial synostosis and increased bone density.
Cystinosis
Fanconi Syndrome
Tyrosinemia
Renal tubular acidosis
Hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets with hypocalciuria
Fanconi syndrome (types I and II)
Vitamin D-dependent rickets (types I and II)
Vitamin D-deficient rickets
Pseudohypoparathyroidism
Treatment options include calcitriol, growth hormone, phosphates, and anticalciurics to promote healthy bone growth and diminish mineral loss associated with hypophosphatemic rickets.
Standard protocol for treatment of familial hypophosphatemic rickets includes the use of 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D (calcitriol). Use of calcitriol in place of standard vitamin D obviates near-toxic dosage of the latter, avoids fat storage of parent vitamin D, and diminishes the danger of hypercalcemia.
Increases Ca levels by promoting Ca absorption in intestines and retention in kidneys.
50 ng/kg/d PO initially; make no change in initial dose for at least 4 wk; increases should be made in 5 ng/kg/d increments; not to exceed 65-70 ng/kg/d
Administer as in adults
Cholestyramine and colestipol decrease absorption of calcitriol; magnesium-containing antacids and thiazide diuretics can increase calcitriol effects
Documented hypersensitivity; hypercalcemia, malabsorption syndrome
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Symptoms of hypercalcemia include weakness, nausea, myalgia, constipation; adequate response to calcitriol depends on adequate dietary Ca intake; maintain adequate fluid intake; caution in breastfeeding women
These agents enhance growth in affected children.
Human growth hormone is commercially produced from the human gene implanted into the DNA of Escherichia coli. It is currently in widespread use for treatment of growth failure from many etiologies by enhancement of growth velocity.
0.05-0.1 mg/kg/wk SC
0.18-0.375 mg/kg/wk SC in 6-7 divided doses
Glucocorticoids may diminish the growth-related effect
Documented hypersensitivity; closed epiphyses; actively growing intracranial tumor; any underlying intracranial lesion
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Caution in diabetes
Massive urinary phosphate loss is a problem intrinsic to the disorder, and the phosphate must be replaced.
Neutralized, buffered PO phosphate replacement solution, containing 1000 mg of P (32 μmol inorganic phosphate) per 300 mL or 4 cap or packets. Combination of NA and K phosphate.
1-3 g/d elemental P (ie, 4-12 capsules or packets/d); mix each cap or packet with 75 mL of water
10 mg/kg/d phosphate PO; increases should be made to maintain serum phosphate concentration >4.5 mg/dL (infants) and 2 mg/dL (children); mix each cap or packet with 75 mL of water
Mg-containing and Al-containing antacids or sucralfate can act as phosphate binders and decrease serum phosphate levels; K-sparing diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and salt substitutes may increase serum phosphate levels; in the presence of hypercalcemia, PO phosphate solutions create generalized calcinosis, with particular reference to renal parenchyma
Documented hypersensitivity; hyperphosphatemia; hypocalcemia; hypomagnesemia; hyperkalemia; renal failure
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Caution in patients with renal insufficiency and metabolic alkalosis; admixture of phosphate and Ca in IV fluids can result in Ca phosphate precipitation; close monitoring of serum Ca and phosphate concentrations is essential; additional caution is required with TPN; GI adverse effects including diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, and flatulence may occur; take with food to minimize risk of diarrhea; mix in 6-8 oz of water prior to administration
Thiazides are anticalciuric, an effect that can assist in counteracting the tendency for bone Ca loss.
Well-known diuretic with antihypertensive action. Inhibits reabsorption of Na in distal tubules, causing increased excretion of Na and water as well as K and H ions. Not metabolized and is rapidly excreted in the urine
25 mg PO qd initial; not to exceed 100 mg/d
<6 months: Doses as high as 3 mg/k/d PO may be necessary
6 months to 2 years: 1-2 mg/kg/d PO; not to exceed 38 mg/d
>2 years: 1-2 mg/kg/d PO; not to exceed 100 mg/d
Thiazides may decrease effects of anticoagulants, antigout agents, sulfonylureas; thiazides may increase toxicity of allopurinol, anesthetics, antineoplastics, Ca salts, loop diuretics, lithium, diazoxide, digitalis, amphotericin B, nondepolarizing muscle relaxants
Documented hypersensitivity; anuria or renal decompensation
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Caution in renal disease, hepatic disease, gout, diabetes mellitus, and erythematosus; electrolyte depletion is natural result of thiazide usage and must be avoided by close serum electrolyte monitoring, especially in hot weather; hypokalemia a paramount concern, and K supplementation advisable
Kaliuretic-effect thiazides create hazard of hypokalemia, a danger that can be counteracted by use of a second diuretic. Amiloride has a well-characterized antikaliuretic effect. Often used together with thiazides for its synergistic antihypertensive effects, has benefit of decreasing K loss. Thus, it is a useful adjunct in the treatment of patients with familial x-linked hypophosphatemia with thiazides, in whom hypokalemia is a risk.
5 mg PO qd as adjunctive therapy; not to exceed 20 mg/d
0.2 mg/kg PO; not to exceed 5 mg/d
Concomitant therapy with ACE inhibitors, cyclosporine, or K supplementation may increase serum K levels, if concomitant use of these agents indicated because of demonstrated hypokalemia, caution and monitor serum K frequently; Li generally should not be given with diuretics because may reduce renal clearance and add high risk of Li toxicity; NSAIDs reduce diuretic, natriuretic, and antihypertensive effects of diuretics, observe patient closely to determine if desired effect of diuretic obtained; indomethacin and K-sparing diuretics, including amiloride, may be associated with increased serum L levels, consider potential effects on K kinetics and renal function
Documented hypersensitivity; elevated serum potassium levels >5.5 mEq/L; impaired renal function, acute or chronic renal insufficiency, evidence of diabetic nephropathy; monitor electrolytes closely if evidence suggests renal functional impairment, BUN level >30 mg per 100 mL or serum creatinine levels >1.5 mg per 100 mL
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
K retention associated with use of an antikaliuretic agent accentuated in presence of renal impairment and may result in rapid development of hyperkalemia; monitor serum K level, mild hyperkalemia usually not associated with abnormal ECG findings; adverse effects include GI upset, dry mouth, skin rash, confusion, postural hypotension, hyperkalemia, hyponatremia; caution in severe hepatic insufficiency; take with food or milk
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hypophosphatemic rickets, familial hypophosphatemic rickets, vitamin D-resistant rickets, X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets, X-linked hypophosphatemic osteomalacia, rachitic disease, vitamin D ingestion, vitamin D–resistant rickets, hypophosphatemia, proteolysis, hyperphosphaturia, short stature, dental abscess, delayed dentition, bone deformation, cranial synostosis, short stature
Karl S Roth, MD, Professor and Chair, Department of Pediatrics, Creighton University School of Medicine
Karl S Roth, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Nutrition, American Pediatric Society, American Society for Clinical Nutrition, American Society of Nephrology, Association of American Medical Colleges, Medical Society of Virginia, New York Academy of Sciences, Sigma Xi, Society for Pediatric Research, and Southern Society for Pediatric Research
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
James CM Chan, MD, Professor of Pediatrics, University of Vermont College of Medicine; Director of Research, The Barbara Bush Children's Hospital, Maine Medical Center
James CM Chan, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of University Professors, American Chemical Society, American Heart Association, American Medical Association, American Physiological Society, American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, American Society of Nephrology, American Society of Pediatric Nephrology, International Society of Nephrology, New York Academy of Sciences, Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine, and Southern Society for Pediatric Research
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Arlan L Rosenbloom, MD, Adjunct Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics, University of Florida; Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics; Fellow of the American College of Epidemiology
Arlan L Rosenbloom, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Epidemiology, American Pediatric Society, Endocrine Society, Florida Pediatric Society, Lawson-Wilkins Pediatric Endocrine Society, and Society for Pediatric Research
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Mary L Windle, PharmD, Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine
Disclosure: Pfizer Inc Stock Investment from financial planner; Avanir Pharma Stock Investment from financial planner ; WebMD Salary and stock Employment and investment from financial planner
George P Chrousos, MD, FAAP, MACP, MACE, FRCP(London), Professor and Chair, First Department of Pediatrics, Athens University Medical School, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Greece
George P Chrousos, MD, FAAP, MACP, MACE, FRCP(London) is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Endocrinology, American College of Physicians, American Pediatric Society, American Society for Clinical Investigation, Association of American Physicians, Endocrine Society, Lawson-Wilkins Pediatric Endocrine Society, and Society for Pediatric Research
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Merrily P M Poth, MD, Professor, Department of Pediatrics and Neuroscience, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Merrily P M Poth, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, Endocrine Society, and Lawson-Wilkins Pediatric Endocrine Society
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Stephen Kemp, MD, PhD, Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Endocrinology, University of Arkansas and Arkansas Children's Hospital
Stephen Kemp, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American Pediatric Society, Endocrine Society, Phi Beta Kappa, Southern Medical Association, and Southern Society for Pediatric Research
Disclosure: Genentech, Inc. Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Pfiser, Inc. Honoraria Consulting
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