Related Experiment Videos
[Possible pathogenetic factors in hypocalcemia of low birth weight newborn infants (author's transl)]
Insights
Neonatal hypocalcemia affects over 25% of low birth weight infants. Preterm infants experience early hypocalcemia, while small for gestational age infants show a later onset linked to phosphorus and magnesium levels.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Biochemistry
Context:
- Neonatal hypocalcemia is a common concern in low birth weight infants.
- Understanding its pathogenesis is crucial for timely intervention.
- This study examines 66 healthy low birth weight newborns (28 preterm, 38 small for gestational age).
Purpose:
- To investigate the distinct pathogenetic factors contributing to hypocalcemia in preterm and small for gestational age infants.
- To analyze serum calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, electrolytes, and protein levels during the first week of life.
- To differentiate the timing and biochemical correlates of hypocalcemia in these two groups.
Summary:
- Hypocalcemia occurred in 25.7% of infants studied (32.1% preterm, 21% small for gestational age).
- Preterm infants exhibited early-onset hypocalcemia, not correlated with phosphorus or magnesium.
- Small for gestational age infants showed late-onset hypocalcemia, associated with high phosphorus and low magnesium.
Impact:
- Provides insights into the differential pathogenesis of neonatal hypocalcemia based on gestational age and growth status.
- Highlights the effectiveness of oral calcium gluconate in rapidly normalizing serum calcium levels in asymptomatic cases.
- Informs clinical management strategies for preventing and treating hypocalcemia in vulnerable newborn populations.
Abstract:
The Authors studied the possible pathogenetic factors in hypocalcemia of 66 low birth weight healthy newborn infants, 28 preterm and 38 small for gestational age babies. To clarify the pathogenesis of neonatal hypocalcemia, the Authors determined daily in the first week of life serum calcium, phosphorus and magnesium concentrations, the serum natrium and kalium level and E.A.B. on capillary blood. Total serum proteins was determined on the 2nd and on the 7th day of age. The incidence of hypocalcemia was 25.7% for all considered babies: 32.1% for preterm infants and 21% for small for gestational age babies. The hypocalcemia of preterm babies appears early during the first three days of life and it results not correlated with the serum phosphorus and the serum magnesium concentrations. On the contrary the small for gestational age babies show a "late" hypocalcemia directly related with an elevated serum concentration of phosphorus and with a reduced serum magnesium level. Both the preterm and the small for gestational age newborn infants had asymptomatic hypocalcemia and the orally administration of high doses of calcium gluconate 10% was able to normalize rapidly the serum calcium level.