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Updated: May 7, 2026

Continuous Video Electroencephalogram during Hypoxia-Ischemia in Neonatal Mice
09:29

Continuous Video Electroencephalogram during Hypoxia-Ischemia in Neonatal Mice

Published on: June 11, 2020

[Familial congenital hypomagnesemia revealed by neonatal convulsions]

M Ndiaye1, D H Toffa2, A-D Sow2

  • 1Service de neurologie, CHU Fann, BP 5035, Dakar, Sénégal; Hôpital d'enfants Albert-Royer, Sénégal.

Archives De Pediatrie : Organe Officiel De La Societe Francaise De Pediatrie
|October 5, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Congenital hypomagnesemia, a rare genetic disorder, can cause neonatal seizures and developmental delays. Supplementation may not fully correct low magnesium levels, leading to cognitive impairments.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Genetics
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Congenital hypomagnesemia is a rare genetic disorder.
  • It significantly impacts cognitive and neurological development.

Observation:

  • Three familial cases (two boys, one girl) from a consanguineous family presented with neonatal seizures and psychomotor delay.
  • Neuroimaging revealed cerebral atrophy and calcifications in one patient, and cerebellar atrophy in two others.
  • All patients exhibited hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and hypomagnesemia, with altered parathyroid hormone levels.

Findings:

  • Calcium and magnesium supplementation normalized calcium and phosphate levels but not magnesium levels, despite high doses.
  • Two patients developed cognitive and behavioral impairments.
  • One infant patient died at 7 months of age.

Implications:

  • This case series highlights the severe neurological consequences of congenital hypomagnesemia.
  • Management challenges include persistent hypomagnesemia and long-term cognitive deficits.
  • Further research into the genetic basis and therapeutic strategies for congenital hypomagnesemia is warranted.

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