Prophylaxis and treatment of childhood rickets with parenteral cholecalciferol.

The safety and efficacy of parenteral cholecalciferol was evaluated in the treatment and prevention of childhood rickets. Children with active disease, and those at high risk for developing rickets were treated either with intravenous or intramuscular cholecalciferol in dosages of 1000 to 1500 IU daily, for periods of 28 to 450 days. All children with rickets responded with radiographic evidence of healing. No child in the prophylaxis group developed bone disease. Side effects were minimal. Parenteral cholecalciferol is a safe and effective therapy for the treatment and prevention of childhood rickets.