OSTEOMALACIA IN NEW YORK

Abstract

Four cases of osteomalacia observed in New York City are reported. All cases suffered from fatty diarrhea. In 2 cases the steatorrhea was due to chronic jaundice, in 1 case to scleroderma, and in 1 case to longstanding ileostomy. The pathogenesis of osteomalacia occurring in cases of chronic steatorrhea is discussed, and the importance of the loss of fat-soluble vitamin D in fatty stools is emphasized. Treatment should consist of parenteral vitamin D administration and radiation with UV light.