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[Hypocalcemic seizures in two newborn siblings revealing hyperparathyroidism in the mother]
Insights
A newborn experienced hypocalcemic seizures due to transient hypoparathyroidism, a condition also affecting his sibling. Maternal hyperparathyroidism was diagnosed and treated, resolving the infant
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Genetics
Background:
- Transient hypoparathyroidism can cause hypocalcemic seizures in neonates.
- A familial history of similar episodes suggests a potential genetic or maternal link.
Observation:
- A term neonate presented with hypocalcemic seizures on the sixth postnatal day.
- The infant's brother had a similar episode in early infancy.
- Maternal evaluation revealed hyperparathyroidism, diagnosed via parathormone assay after initial normal calcium and phosphorus levels.
Findings:
- Surgical removal of a parathyroid adenoma in the mother resolved the condition.
- The neonate's hypocalcemic seizures were attributed to transient maternal hypoparathyroidism.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering maternal endocrine disorders in neonatal hypocalcemia.
- Early diagnosis and management of maternal hyperparathyroidism are crucial for preventing neonatal complications.
- Reviews presenting manifestations, diagnostic difficulties, potential complications, and therapeutic aspects of maternofetal endocrine conditions.
Abstract:
We report the case of a term neonate who developed hypocalcemic seizures due to transient hypoparathyroidism on the sixth postnatal day. His brother had had a similar episode after his birth four years earlier. The mother was free of symptoms and had normal calcium and phosphorus levels at the first evaluation. However, repetition of these determinations with a parathormone assay led to the diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism. A parathyroid adenoma was found and removed surgically. This case-report is the opportunity for reviewing presenting manifestations, diagnostic difficulties, potential complications of this infrequent maternofetal condition, and therapeutic aspects.