 Hypocalcemia
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Hypocalcemia is a condition in which there is too little calcium in the blood. A common form of hypocalcemia in babies is called neonatal hypocalcemia. This condition may occur at different times with different causes, including the following:
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- early hypocalcemia - occurs in the first three days of life.
- late hypocalcemia - develops between the fifth to tenth days of life, usually after several days of formula feedings. Some formulas have high levels of phosphate which can lower the blood calcium levels.
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The causes of early hypocalcemia are unknown, while late hypocalcemia has a number of known causes, related primarily to calcium and phosphorous levels in the body as well as parathyroid hormone function.
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Symptoms of hypocalcemia may not be obvious in newborn babies. The following are the most common symptoms of hypocalcemia. However, each baby may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
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- irritability
- muscle twitches
- jitteriness
- tremors
- poor feeding
- lethargy
- seizures
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The symptoms of hypocalcemia may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your baby's physician for a diagnosis.
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In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnosis of hypocalcemia is made by testing the blood for the amount of calcium.
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Hypocalcemia may get better without treatment in some cases, especially if there are no symptoms. However, specific treatment for hypocalcemia will be determined by your baby's physician based on:
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- your baby's gestational age, overall health, and medical history
- extent of the disease
- your baby's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the course of the disease
- expectations for the course of the disease
- your opinion or preference
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Treatment may include:
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- supplemental calcium gluconate (a form of calcium that is easily absorbed) given by mouth
- intravenous (IV) calcium gluconate
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