Autosomal dominant hypophosphatemic rickets (
ADHR) is a rare
hereditary disease in which excessive loss of
phosphate in the
urine leads to poorly formed bones (
rickets),
bone pain, and tooth
abscesses. ADHR is caused by a mutation in the
fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). ADHR affects men and women equally; symptoms may become apparent at any point from childhood through early adulthood. Blood tests reveal low levels of phosphate (
hypophosphatemia) and inappropriately normal levels of
vitamin D. Treatment consists of increasing phosphate intake and high doses of vitamin D. Occasionally, hypophosphatemia may improve over time as urine losses of phosphate partially correct.
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