Neonatal hypocalcaemic seizures: Case report and literature review

Eric H. Kossoff, Mary T. Silvia, Alexander Maret, Mauri Carakushansky, Eileen P.G. Vining

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

Seizures during the neonatal period have a broad differential diagnosis, many with a specific treatment and prognosis. In the case reported, a combination of dietary and endocrinologic abnormalities resulted in hypocalcemic seizures, which continued despite aggressive correction of serum ionized calcium levels. Serial electroencephalograms (EEG) performed during the hospitalization were markedly abnormal, and treatment with anticonvulsant drugs was considered given the persistence of seizures despite normalization of serum calcium levels. After 4 days of intravenous calcium administration, the seizure activity resolved, and the patient returned to his normal baseline level of functioning. This case highlights the clinical course of neonatal hypocalcemic seizures, EEG findings in several cases, and possible mechanisms for both hypocalcemic precipitation of seizures and anticonvulsant ineffectiveness.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)236-239
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of child neurology
Volume17
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2002

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Clinical Neurology

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