Hypocalcemia as a Cause of Complex Febrile Seizures in a Toddler

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Endocrinology
• Genetics

Background:

• Complex febrile seizures can indicate underlying metabolic or genetic disorders.
• Hypocalcemia presents a diagnostic challenge, especially in infants, requiring thorough etiological investigation.

Observation:

• A 13-month-old boy presented with recurrent complex febrile seizures, Trousseau sign, and QTc prolongation.
• Initial blood gas analysis revealed severe hypocalcemia, prompting further investigation before treatment.

Findings:

• Elevated parathormone and phosphate levels, with normal 25-hydroxyvitamin D, led to a diagnosis of pseudohypoparathyroidism.
• The patient's serum calcium normalized after two years of calcium and vitamin D supplementation.

Implications:

• Early diagnosis and management of pseudohypoparathyroidism are crucial for preventing neurological complications like seizures.
• This case highlights the importance of comprehensive biochemical testing in diagnosing hypocalcemia in pediatric patients.