Overview

A vitamin is an organic compound required as a nutrient in tiny amounts by an organism. A compound is called a vitamin when it cannot be synthesized in sufficient quantities by an organism, and must be obtained from the diet. Thus, the term is conditional both on the circumstances and the particular organism. For example, ascorbic acid functions as vitamin C for some animals but not others, and vitamins D and K are required in the human diet only in certain circumstances.

Vitamins are classified by their biological and chemical activity, not their structure. Thus, each "vitamin" actually refers to a number of vitamer compounds, which form a set of distinct chemical compounds that show the biological activity of a particular vitamin. Such a set of chemicals are grouped under an alphabetized vitamin "generic descriptor" title, such as "vitamin A," which (for example) includes retinal, retinol, and many carotenoids. Vitamers are often inter-convertible in the body. The term vitamin does not include other essential nutrients such as dietary minerals, essential fatty acids, or essential amino acids, nor does it encompass the large number of other nutrients that promote health but are otherwise required less often.

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Children's Congenital Scoliosis

Congenital scoliosis, a curvature of the spine caused by birth defects in the spine. In other words, at some point in fetal development, usually in the first 4-6 weeks, the spine is not correct. Congenital scoliosis is more common among girls than boys (60-40%).

There are no specific causes of congenital scoliosis. It's just an anomaly in the development.

As is usually diagnosed congenital scoliosis?

Hemivertebra refers to a condition in which bone on one side of the spinal bones are missing on one side of the spine form, while the corresponding bone on the other side does not. A unilateral bar occurs when several vertebrae together or stuck on one side of the spine. These two examples describe some ways in which the spine can not be properly developed.

The condition is rarely diagnosed at birth, unless the curve is very large, or unless, X-rays are done for another reason. Congenital scoliosis is usually detected in childhood or adolescence (in adolescence), if the growth is very fast. Congenital curves often worse.

About 75% of the time curves will worsen, to the treatment, a few curves remain mild and require no treatment other than careful observation.

What is the treatment of congenital scoliosis?

In idiopathic scoliosis (scoliosis, for which no cause is found) is often used, bracing for the progression of the curves. Unfortunately, in congenital scoliosis bracing is rarely successful.

This is because the tension of the spine on the outside of the body can not help the spine is wrong on only one side. It is for the treatment of congenital scoliosis, the curve progresses normally requires surgery.

The decision in surgery of congenital scoliosis depends on several factors, such as the age of the child, the size of the curve, and how quickly the curve continues.

surgical techniques are used to curb the abnormal growth of the spine. With approaches from the front (anterior) or back (posterior), surgeons fuse or paste, which are outside the convex side of the curve, sometimes even 4-5 vertebrae.

after the surgery, braces or casts are sometimes taken for a period of time during the healing.

What happens when the curve is not corrected?

allow the curve to progress can lead to serious problems later in life, not just in appearance and self-esteem, but also in lung capacity, heart functioning, and pain. The right to the operation on the right side of the age, the child with congenital scoliosis a greater than the spine without surgery. In some patients, surgery is needed more than once, or later in life.

other health problems associated with congenital scoliosis?

children who are diagnosed with congenital scoliosis may have a screening test to determine whether they have other health problems. Other health problems that are sometimes found, coincide with congenital scoliosis are kidney and urinary tract anomalies, congenital heart disease, and anomalies of the ribs and spinal cord.

Find out about Shriners Hospitals for Children where your child can get some of the best care in the world at no cost to you. Call toll-free at 1-800-237-5055 (in the U.S.) or 1-800-361-7256 (in Canada) or contact Shriners at http://www.shriners-help-kids.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lawrence_Edwards

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