Question
How can a baby be checked for rickets at the hospital, and what is the approximate cost?
Answer
The common indicators for diagnosing rickets are serum alkaline phosphatase levels, which have high sensitivity, specificity, and are simple and quick, replacing the traditional “rickets three items” test. Many hospitals can perform this test, with costs ranging from 30 to 400 yuan. The testing method is simple, requiring only a finger prick to draw blood, with results available within half an hour. Normal values range below or equal to 200U/L, with higher values indicating more severe calcium deficiency. Treatment primarily involves supplementing vitamin D and selecting different treatment plans based on the severity of the condition. When supplementing calcium, factors such as composition, content, absorption rate, dosage form, taste, whether it contains vitamin D, and safety should be considered. The best time to supplement calcium is about 30 minutes after feeding. Normal blood calcium levels do not necessarily mean adequate body calcium reserves, and bone calcium tests should be used to determine this. Additionally, supplementing both calcium and zinc can interfere with absorption rates, so it is not recommended to supplement them simultaneously.