Epidemic Rickets in Sydney

In the period from January, 1969, to December, 1971, 19 cases of nutritional rickets were seen at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children. Only 2 were seen in the 5 years preceding this period. The clinical and sociological features of these children are reviewed. Most cases occurred in immigrant families from the Middle East or Southern Europe. They presented in the first year of life with significant associated morbidity. The study underlines the fact that rickets in these patients is primarily due to a deficient exposure to sunlight.