[Hypocalcemia in infants and children]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Nutritional Deficiencies
• Metabolic Disorders

Context:

• Hypocalcaemia is a significant concern in infants and children.
• Common causes include vitamin D deficiency rickets and rare hypoparathyroidism.
• Clinical presentations range from neurological and respiratory issues to severe cardiac complications, including sudden death.

Purpose:

• To outline the causes and clinical manifestations of hypocalcaemia in pediatric populations.
• To highlight the severity of untreated hypocalcaemia.
• To introduce advancements in treatment strategies.

Summary:

• Hypocalcaemia in children presents with diverse symptoms, notably neurological (seizures) and cardiac disorders.
• Vitamin D deficiency rickets remains a prevalent cause, despite its preventability.
• Severe or symptomatic cases necessitate prompt hospitalization and intervention.

Impact:

• Improved understanding of hypocalcaemia's pediatric impact.
• Highlights the ongoing relevance of rickets as a public health issue.
• Emphasizes the benefit of novel vitamin D derivatives in managing pediatric hypocalcaemia.