Rickets as a complication of intravenous hyperalimentation in infants.

Fifteen newborn infants developed roentgenographic evidence of rickets while on long-term intravenous hyperalimentation. In each instance, the initial diagnosis of rickets was suggested on the chest roentgenogram, where characteristic cupped and frayed upper humeral metaphyses were noted; subsequent knee and wrist roentgenograms substantiated these findings. Factors which may have predisposed to the development of rickets include inadequate doses of vitamin D, prematurity and a rapid change in body weight during hyperalimentation therapy.