Recalcitrant hypocalcaemia responding to teriparatide therapy: a clinical insight

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Hypocalcaemia is a frequent neonatal metabolic issue with early and late-onset forms.
• Early-onset hypocalcaemia is linked to prematurity, perinatal asphyxia, and maternal diabetes.
• Late-onset hypocalcaemia can stem from high phosphate intake, formula, vitamin D issues, hypoparathyroidism, or genetic factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the causes and clinical manifestations of neonatal hypocalcaemia.
• To present a case of refractory neonatal hypocalcaemia.
• To highlight the potential of teriparatide in treating refractory neonatal hypocalcaemia.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of neonatal hypocalcaemia causes and treatments.
• Case report of a neonate with refractory hypocalcaemia.
• Administration of teriparatide (recombinant parathyroid hormone analogue).

Main Results:

• The reported neonate presented with refractory hypocalcaemia.
• Conventional therapies (oral calcium, vitamin D, magnesium) were insufficient.
• Teriparatide administration led to significant clinical improvement.

Conclusions:

• Neonatal hypocalcaemia requires timely diagnosis and management based on onset.
• Refractory cases may necessitate advanced therapeutic strategies.
• Teriparatide shows promise as an effective treatment for refractory neonatal hypocalcaemia.