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Vitamin D deficiency rickets in infants presenting with hypocalcaemic convulsions

Y Cesur1, S A Yuca1, A Kaya1

  • 1Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Yiiziincii Yil University, Faculty of Medicine, Van, Turkey.

The West Indian Medical Journal
|February 26, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Vitamin D deficiency is a key cause of hypocalcaemia and convulsions in infants with rickets. Early vitamin D supplementation is crucial to prevent serious complications in affected infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Endocrinology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Rickets is a significant cause of hypocalcaemia in infants.
  • Hypocalcaemic convulsions present a critical diagnostic challenge in pediatrics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate clinical, biochemical, and radiological features of infants with rickets presenting with hypocalcaemic convulsions.
  • To highlight the role of vitamin D deficiency in infantile rickets and hypocalcaemia.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 91 infants diagnosed with rickets and hypocalcaemia.
  • Analysis of clinical presentation, biochemical markers (calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, parathormone), and radiological findings.

Main Results:

  • Mean calcium: 5.55 mg/dL, phosphorus: 4.77 mg/dL, alkaline phosphatase: 1525.5 U/L, parathormone: 256.8 pg/mL.
  • Vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-OH vitamin D < 20 ng/mL) identified in 37 infants.

Conclusions:

  • Vitamin D deficiency is a primary etiological factor in infants presenting with hypocalcaemia and rickets.
  • Prompt vitamin D supplementation is recommended to prevent severe outcomes like convulsions.
Abstract

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