Severe vitamin D deficiency presenting as hypocalcaemic seizures in a black infant at 45.5 degrees south: a case...

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Nutritional Science
• Public Health

Background:

• A 5-month-old Black infant presented with generalized seizures.
• The infant was diagnosed with severe vitamin D deficiency and hypocalcaemia.
• Risk factors included being born in autumn, African ethnicity, exclusive breastfeeding, and winter daycare attendance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential causes of severe vitamin D deficiency in an exclusively breastfed infant.
• To highlight the clinical presentation and risk factors associated with vitamin D deficiency in infants.
• To emphasize the importance of vitamin D supplementation in at-risk populations.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 5-month-old infant presenting with seizures.
• Clinical assessment including laboratory tests for calcium and vitamin D levels.
• Review of infant's feeding history, maternal supplementation, and environmental factors (sun exposure, season of birth).

Main Results:

• The infant exhibited severe vitamin D deficiency and hypocalcaemia.
• The infant's mother did not take any vitamin or nutritional supplements during pregnancy or lactation.
• The infant was born in autumn at 45.5 degrees south latitude and spent winter months in daycare.

Conclusions:

• Exclusive breastfeeding without supplementation can lead to vitamin D deficiency in infants, particularly those with darker skin pigmentation.
• Limited sun exposure during winter months exacerbates the risk.
• Routine vitamin D supplementation should be recommended for all breastfed infants, especially those with identified risk factors.