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Left ventricular dysfunction due to hypocalcemia in a neonate
S Karademir1, B Altuntas, T Tezic
1Doctor Sami Ulus Children Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye.
Insights
Idiopathic hypocalcemia can cause reversible left ventricular dysfunction and congestive heart failure in infants. Prompt calcium therapy can effectively treat cardiac issues related to low calcium levels.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Hypocalcemia is an uncommon cause of cardiac dysfunction in pediatric patients.
- Left ventricular dysfunction can manifest in infants and children due to various factors.
Observation:
- A 30-day-old infant presented with symptoms of congestive heart failure and seizures.
- The infant was diagnosed with idiopathic hypocalcemia.
- No underlying cardiac disease was identified.
Findings:
- The infant's congestive heart failure showed a positive response to calcium therapy.
- Hypocalcemia was identified as the cause of left ventricular dysfunction.
Implications:
- Hypocalcemia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pediatric left ventricular dysfunction.
- Early recognition and treatment of hypocalcemia can reverse cardiac complications in infants.
- This case highlights the importance of metabolic screening in pediatric heart failure.
Abstract:
Hypocalcemia is a relatively uncommon but reversible cause of left ventricular dysfunction in infants and children. A 30-day-old boy with idiopathic hypocalcemia presented with congestive heart failure and convulsive seizures. He had no evidence of underlying cardiac disease. The cardiac failure responded to calcium therapy. It is suggested that hypocalcemia should be considered as a possible cause of left ventricular dysfunction in infants.