Rickets that usually affects premature infants. Factors that contribute to the development of neonatal rickets include calcium, phosphorus, or calciferol deficiency. It manifests with spontaneous fractures, respiratory distress, and growth developmental delays.

(metabolic bone disease of prematurity) A condition characterized by decreased mineral content of the bone of a fetus or infant due to inadequate availability of calcium and/or phosphorus. Associated risk factors include the degree of prematurity, low birth weight, medication exposures, immobilization, and nutrient insufficiency. Metabolic bone disease of prematurity is characterized by hypophosphatemia, hyperphosphatasia, and secondary hyperparathyroidism, and may include rachitic bony changes and fractures. Inadequate bone mineralization may contribute to bronchopulmonary dysplasia and poor growth.