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Neonatal hypocalcaemia associated with rotavirus diarrhoea
A Foldenauer1, S Vossbeck, F Pohlandt
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Ulm, Germany.
Insights
Rotavirus infection can cause low calcium levels (hypocalcaemia) in newborns, particularly those with severe diarrhea. Calcium levels normalized with treatment and improved symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Neonatology
Background:
- Hypocalcaemia is a potential complication in infants.
- Rotavirus is a common cause of gastroenteritis in infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between rotavirus gastroenteritis and hypocalcaemia in infants.
- To prospectively evaluate calcium levels in infants with rotavirus infection.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 54 infants with rotavirus gastroenteritis.
- Measurement of serum electrolytes and calcium (total and ionized) on admission.
- Daily monitoring and calcium gluconate supplementation for infants with hypocalcaemia.
Main Results:
- Twenty out of 54 infants (37%) developed hypocalcaemia.
- Hypocalcaemia was associated with severe diarrhea.
- Seven infants presented with convulsions; no neurological abnormalities were found.
- Calcium levels normalized with clinical improvement and stool consistency, often without supplementation.
Conclusions:
- Rotavirus gastroenteritis is a significant cause of neonatal hypocalcaemia.
- Prompt monitoring and management of calcium levels are crucial in infants with rotavirus infection.
Unlabelled:
We observed an association between rotavirus diarrhoea and hypocalcaemia in several patients and therefore started a prospective evaluation with measurement of calcium levels in all patients with rotavirus infection during a period of 8 months. We report on 54 infants with rotavirus gastro-enteritis. Serum concentrations of sodium, potassium, and total and ionized calcium were measured on admission. If hypocalcaemia was detected, total and ionized calcium were measured every day until recovery. Calcium was supplemented as calcium gluconate which was added to milk. Out of 54 newborns with rotavirus gastro-enteritis, 20 developed hypocalcaemia. All these newborns had severe diarrhoea. Seven infants were admitted because of convulsions, but EEG and ultrasonographic examination of the brain revealed no abnormalities. Once the infants' clinical condition and the consistency and frequency of the stool had improved, calcium concentrations increased and remained within the reference range without supplementation.
Conclusion:
Rotavirus gastro-enteritis seems to be a cause of neonatal hypocalcaemia.