Rickets with special reference to modern views on the etiology and treatment

The theories as to the Cause of Rickets which have most vogue are:- The Vitamin Theory, The Domestication Theory, and Eric Pritchard’s Acidosis Theory, all of which one can follow in one’s work as probable causes. The results of Rickets are still painfully obvious, but there is no doubt that Child Welfare work is now bearing fruit, as we get the early cases to deal with. There is, however, a great handicap in the ignorance and often criminal negligence of the parents. Action can be taken against parents only for obvious cruelty, shewing itself in dirt or bruises. Until the law is tightened in this respect, and while a child is not considered ill-treated who is kept in a dark, damp basement, and who seldom gets any exercise, much still remains to be done. The striking facts with regard to treatment are the excellent results with Cod-liver oil, and with exposure to the Ultra-Violet Rays. In 1924 we had a hot Summer, and our patients were out all day in the sunshine, hut our results with Rickets were not nearly so rapid as they have been since the installation of the Ultra-Violet Rays Lamp. My opinion, however, is that the massage, baths and general treatment must be continued with the Rays.

Grantor dc:publisher

The University of Edinburgh

Year dc:date.issued

1927

Author dc:creator

• Macmillan, Rosanna Elizabeth

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1842/35090

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:era.ed.ac.uk:1842/35090