Patient's question:
Daughter is now 21 months old. During the physical examination, it was said that she has slightly prominent ribs and an open anterior fontanel. The doctor recommended a fingertip blood test for NAP, with the result being 250 u/L. She also had a trace element test (blood drawn from the arm), and except for iron and zinc not meeting the standard, all other elements, including calcium, were within the normal range. The doctor suggested taking Icicle (red) and getting more sun exposure. Will this help treat it? However, since Baby Bei has been taking Betalact since she was 2 months old, and started adding calcium tablets at 5 months, which were prescribed by the hospital and called "Calcium," Baby Bei is developing well in other aspects, just a bit lighter, weighing 10 kg and measuring 83 cm. The doctor said this is not rickets.Doctor's answer:
Hello! The anterior fontanelle typically closes between 12 to 18 months after birth. Premature closure of the fontanelles is seen in microcephaly, while delayed closure is associated with hydrocephalus, rickets, cretinism, and other conditions. Hydrocephalus is a congenital abnormality with no specific treatment available. Rickets is a disease caused by vitamin D deficiency, usually due to insufficient sunlight exposure or improper feeding. This condition delays bone ossification in infants, and in severe cases, it can delay the closure of the anterior fontanelle until 2 to 3 years of age, along with other neurological and nutritional deficiencies.Rib flaring is also related to calcium deficiency in babies. We recommend you take your baby to the hospital for a follow-up examination. In daily life, the baby's diet should be diversified, with limited intake of sugary foods. Encourage regular activity and avoid developing picky eating habits. Focus on consuming dairy products and foods high in calcium.