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[Clinical manifestations of spasmophilia in developing age]
Insights
Electromyography (EMG) effectively identifies tetanic syndrome in children with spasmophilia symptoms. This diagnostic technique aids in detecting hypocalcemia, a common finding in affected children.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Clinical Electrophysiology
Background:
- Spasmophilia and tetanic syndrome present diagnostic challenges in pediatric populations.
- Defining the precise diagnostic criteria for tetanic syndrome is crucial for effective management.
Observation:
- Electromyography (EMG) was employed to investigate 82 children (aged 2-12 years) exhibiting spasmophilia symptoms.
- An ischemic test on the upper limb was conducted, recording spontaneous EMG activity from the thenar eminence.
- Clinical examinations and serum electrolyte levels were assessed concurrently.
Findings:
- Spontaneous EMG activity, indicative of tetanic syndrome, was detected in 46 children.
- Hypocalcemia was identified in 31 of the children with positive EMG findings.
- Tensive headache, cramps, abdominal spasms, psychomotor instability, and anxiety were common symptoms; Chvostek's sign was frequent but not specific.
Implications:
- Electromyography provides valuable objective criteria for diagnosing tetanic syndrome in children.
- Early and accurate diagnosis through EMG can lead to timely intervention for pediatric patients.
- Further research can refine the correlation between clinical manifestations, EMG findings, and humoral factors in spasmophilia.
Abstract:
82 children (47 male and 35 female), aged between 2 and 12 years, with signs and symptoms consistent with spasmophilia, were investigated with an emg technique to better define boundaries of tetanic syndrome. In all subjects an ischaemic test was performed to the upper limb and the spontaneous emg activity from thenar eminence was recorded both during and after ischaemia. Moreover a clinical examination, with particular attention to objective signs of spasmophilia, were performed and serum electrolytes determined. Electromyographic spontaneous activity was noticed in 46 children (24 female, 22 male), 31 of them were hypocalcemic. The frequency of the various clinical manifestations is reported and correlated with emg and humoral findings. Significant difference between sexes in the incidence of tetanic syndrome where not noticed. More frequent symptoms for spasmophilia are tensive headache and cramps, abdominal spasms, psycomotos instability and anxiety; Chvostek's sign is frequent but no specific. The other symptoms assume relevance only if present in association. The role of electromyographic criteria in the detection of tetanic syndrome is stressed.