Short report: craniosynostosis, a late complication of nutritional rickets

Abstract

Objectives: Nutritional rickets may be a preventable cause of craniosynostosis. This potential association is under-recognised. A late diagnosis of craniosynostosis may result in reduced brain growth, raised intracranial pressure and long-term psychosocial problems.

Case presentation: We present four cases of craniosynostosis associated with nutritional rickets. Those who had delayed presentation underwent emergency craniotomy.

Conclusions: Treatment of nutritional rickets and early identification of craniosynostosis can reduce morbidity in these children.

Keywords: craniosynostosis; metabolic bone diseases; paediatrics; rickets complications; vitamin D deficiency.