Transient Neonatal Hypocalcemia: Presentation and Outcomes

Abstract

Moderate-to-severe late-onset neonatal hypocalcemia is more common in Hispanic and male infants, is often a sign of coexistent vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency and hypomagnesemia, and is readily managed with therapy of limited duration. Neonates presenting with seizures who are found to be hypocalcemic are unlikely to benefit from neuroimaging evaluations.

Late-Onset Neonatal Hypocalcemia in a 9-Days-Old Baby Because of Vitamin D Deficiency and Hypoparathyroidism: A Case Report

“…13- 16 The presence of hypocalcemia and an elevated PTH level indicate a possibility of an end-organ resistance to PTH, mimicking pseudohypoparathyroidsm.…”

“…16 A prospective study found 76.5% of neonates who had a late onset hypocalcemia were born from mothers with vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. 19 Vitamin D deficiency also occurs in infant with rickets, cholestasis, and lack of sun exposure.…”

Clinical Presentation of Hypoparathyroidism

“…Although sometimes clinically asymptomatic, it may present with signs of neuromuscular irritability ranging from myoclonic jerks to seizures, apnea, cyanosis, or arrhythmias including tachycardia, atrioventricular heart block in premature babies [ 9 ], and severe bradycardia. Hypocalcemia in this age group is commonly differentiated by the time of onset [ 10 ].…”

Management of neonatal hazards in intensive care units: a review

“…These neonates are readily managed with therapy of limited duration, and neonates presenting with tetany or seizures due to hypocalcemia are unlikely to benefit from neuroimaging studies. 76 …”