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Infantile apnoea due to profound hypocalcaemia associated with vitamin D deficiency. A case report
Insights
A 7-week-old infant with rickets and hypocalcaemia experienced recurrent apnoea. Treatment with calcium and vitamin D successfully resolved these critical symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neonatology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Rickets, a condition causing bone weakness, can present in infants.
- Hypocalcaemia, or low calcium levels, poses significant health risks.
- Recurrent apnoea in infants requires prompt medical investigation.
Observation:
- A 7-week-old infant presented with stage 1 rickets and profound hypocalcaemia.
- The infant also experienced recurrent episodes of apnoea.
Findings:
- Initial calcium supplementation provided partial improvement.
- Subsequent vitamin D therapy led to the resolution of hypocalcaemia and apnoea.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and comprehensive management of infantile rickets.
- Effective treatment involves addressing both calcium and vitamin D deficiencies.
- Prompt intervention can prevent severe complications like recurrent apnoea.
Abstract:
In this report a 7-week-old infant with stage 1 rickets, profound hypocalcaemia and recurrent apnoea is described. The patient responded initially to calcium supplementation, and subsequently to therapy with vitamin D.