Causes and symptoms of metabolic disorders in children
Metabolism in childhood
A complex set of chemical reactions is called metabolism or metabolism (translated from Greek "transformation"). This process lasts for certain stages: the entry of nutrients into the body, their absorption from the digestive system, fermentation and breakdown, penetration into the blood, assimilation and excretion of non-assimilated substances through sweat, urine, and feces. Impaired metabolism is understood as a violation at one of the levels of the biological system of the body.
Metabolic disorders in childhood differ from the same process in an adult. The development of the child's body takes place in an intensive rhythm, while a large number of resources and elements are needed, which can only be produced with the help of food that enters the body. Children under one year of age have a high metabolism. They are developing the main system functions. Further, the baby needs resources for assimilation and synthesis of processes that are responsible for development and growth.
Due to the instability of the central nervous system, endocrine glands and neurohumoral mechanisms, it is extremely difficult for the child's body to regulate the metabolic process. That is why metabolic disorders in childhood are common. This deviation is also facilitated by the lack of a culture of proper nutrition in a reasonable combination with physical activity.
Diseases in children with impaired metabolism
Lack of protein and iron contributes to the development of anemia. A growing child's body requires a regimen in food intake, good nutrition and reacts to possible excesses in the form of vegetarianism with the appearance of anemia. Lack of phosphorus or calcium, which are the main builders of the skeletal system, a feature of the body that prevents the absorption of calcium, causes rickets. The sufficiency of these substances in the child's body for the first time months is especially important.
Failure of phosphorus-calcium metabolism with an excess of calcium due to the diagnosis of rickets contributes to the development of spasmophilia, the main symptoms of which are spasms and convulsive syndrome. Impaired metabolism at the physiological level develops a pathological type of disease - amyloidosis. With this disease, the heart and renal muscles are affected. Hypoglycemia is expressed by low blood sugar levels due to stress or the presence of the same disease in the mother. Hyperglycemia is a latent form of diabetes mellitus.
Causes of metabolic disorders in children
The causes of metabolic disorders in childhood are mainly related to heredity and have not been completely studied. The leading role in the regulation of metabolism within the cell is played by the information transmitted with the genes of the parents.
If genes start mutating, especially those that code for enzyme synthesis, metabolic defects develop. Mutations have an impact on defects in genes responsible for the transport and structuring of proteins.
Diagnosis of metabolic disorders in children
Some diseases with impaired metabolism are diagnosed by conducting an examination immediately after birth. More rare diseases can be detected in newborns or older children who are at risk. For diagnostics, standard laboratory tests are used, which are available in any clinic. Complex tests are performed in special laboratories. The presence of amino acids in urine, their amount in plasma, determination of organic acid in urine - these parameters are necessary for the treatment of acute and chronic disorders.
In some cases, a biopsy is necessary. Its results accurately show the accumulation of abnormal metabolites and help to correctly diagnose mucolipidosis (Leroy's disease). In the diagnosis of hereditary metabolic disorders, an examination of a neurological and ophthalmological nature can play a clarifying role. In recent years, scientists have identified defects at the genetic level that are the cause of hereditary metabolic disorders. With the help of oligonucleotide probes, it is possible to accurately and quickly determine the defect.
Treatment
Treatment of metabolic disorders consists of a set of drugs. It involves the constant supervision of a doctor. Hormonal preparations are prescribed, based on biologically active substances that normalize metabolism, vitamins participating in all processes of the body. They are consumed regularly, in doses and combinations indicated by the doctor.
Enzymes are agents that can neutralize the viscosity of hyaluronic acid. Preparations for regulating hemostasis, amino acids and biostimulants are means that complement complex treatment along with dietary nutrition.
Article author: Mochalov Pavel Alexandrovich | d. m. n. therapist
Education: Moscow Medical Institute. IM Sechenov, specialty - "General Medicine" in 1991, in 1993 "Occupational Diseases", in 1996 "Therapy".
