Neonatal hyperexcitability in relation to plasma ionized calcium, magnesium, phosphate and glucose

Twenty-two full-term babies were examined with a quantitative neurological assessment on days 1, 2 and 5 in order to confirm the clinical impression of hyperexcitability observed at the routine examination on day 1. Ultrasound examination of the head was normal in all cases. Plasma ionized calcium, phosphate and glucose in the hyperexcitability group fell within the neonatal reference ranges, as described previously. However, serum magnesium was significantly lower on day 1, but spontaneously normalized on day 5. Routine check-ups at the well-baby-clinics did not reveal any major illnesses or developmental abnormalities.