Biochemical parameters of rickets in Iranian children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Many causes can lead to childhood rickets. We aimed to investigate the biochemical symptoms of childhood rickets with systematic review and meta-analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven articles published from 1975 to 2018 were recruited. The literature search was performed in the Scientific Information Database, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Elsevier databases using related keywords. For meta-analysis, the results of the studies were pooled using the random-effects model. The heterogeneity between the studies was checked using Q test and I(2) index. RESULTS: The total sample population consisted of 933 children with biochemical symptoms of rickets (133 participants per article). According to our findings, the mean serum levels of PO(4), Ca, and alkaline phosphatase in children with rickets were 4.18 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.75–4.61, I(2) = 98.3%, P < 0.001), 9.23 (95% CI: 8.78–9.68, I(2) = 99.6%, P < 0.001), and 1.33 (95% CI: 1.23–1.44, I(2) = 95.6%, P < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSION: Characterizing the biochemical symptoms of rickets in children can help to early diagnose and prevent the disease in children. Furthermore, educating parents about biochemical symptoms can lead to early diagnosis and successful treatment of rickets in children.