Patient's question:
A 7-day-old baby is now 37 days old. Today, I went to the hospital for a check-up, and the alkaline phosphatase level was 280, which the doctor said was high. Additionally, the baby has rickets and anemia. The hospital prescribed Alfacalcidol soft capsules, Calcium acetate particles, and administered an injection of Vitamin K1. I would like to know what these medications do and whether they will have any long-term effects on the baby.Doctor's answer:
Rickets is a disease caused by vitamin D deficiency in infancy, leading to disturbances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism, resulting in calcium deficiency and poor bone calcification. Common symptoms include night sweats, sleep disturbances, and irritability. In more severe cases, muscle tone decreases, joints become loose, the abdomen swells, and growth and development are also affected. Serum alkaline phosphatase is an important indicator for the diagnosis of rickets.Advice: The medications you mentioned are primarily for calcium and vitamin D supplementation, which are essential for treating rickets. Vitamin K1 can prevent intracranial hemorrhage, and it is usually administered to newborns as a routine injection. It will not affect the child's development, so please rest assured. Rickets is very common in infants, but it can be cured with active treatment. It is also recommended that you start outdoor activities for your child after the full moon, beginning with 15 minutes daily and gradually increasing to over 2 hours, as ultraviolet rays can promote calcium absorption. Breastfeeding is highly recommended, along with the rational addition of complementary foods. Since excessive vitamin D can cause toxicity, it is essential to take the medication as prescribed by the doctor.