Osteomalacia — A clinical review of 46 cases

A Retrospective review of 46 osteomalacic patients is reported. There was a marked female preponderance (80%). The mean age at time of diagnosis was 50 years and the majority of patients (80%) were symptomatic. Chronic renal failure (30%) and adult coeliac disease (24%) were the two most common underlying conditions. The cause of osteomalacia was identified in all but four cases (9%). The biochemical parameters among the series are described. Serum 25 (OH) vitamin D was estimated in 35 cases, and was reduced in 25 of 28 not receiving vitamin D supplements. We suggest that a) coeliac disease should be excluded in any patients with osteomalacia of undetermined origin, b) that a normal serum 25-OH vitamin D level is a useful negative index for significant osteomalacia.