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What is hypocalcemia?
Hypocalcemia is a condition in which there is too little calcium in the blood. A common form of hypocalcemia in babies is called neonatal hypocalcemia. This condition may occur at different times with different causes, including the following:
- early hypocalcemia - occurs in the first three days of life.
- late hypocalcemia - develops between the fifth to tenth days of life, usually after several days of formula feedings. Some formulas have high levels of phosphate which can lower the blood calcium levels.
What causes hypocalcemia?
Hypocalcemia is thought to be caused by immaturity of parathyroid glands that make calcium. Hypocalcemia is more common in premature and low birthweight babies, because their parathyroid glands are less mature. It can also occur in babies who have a difficult birth and in babies of diabetic mothers.
What are the symptoms of hypocalcemia?
Symptoms of hypocalcemia may not be obvious in newborn babies. The following are the most common symptoms of hypocalcemia. However, each baby may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- irritability
- muscle twitches
- jitteriness
- tremors
- poor feeding
- lethargy
- seizures
The symptoms of hypocalcemia may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your baby's physician for a diagnosis.
How is hypocalcemia diagnosed?
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnosis of hypocalcemia is made by testing the blood for the amount of calcium.
Treatment for hypocalcemia:
Hypocalcemia may get better without treatment in some cases, especially if there are no symptoms. However, specific treatment for hypocalcemia will be determined by your baby's physician based on:
- your baby's gestational age, overall health, and medical history
- extent of the disease
- your baby's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the course of the disease
- your opinion or preference
Treatment may include:
- supplemental calcium gluconate (a form of calcium that is easily absorbed) given by mouth
- intravenous (IV) calcium gluconate
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Lucile Packard Children's Hospital is located in Palo Alto, adjacent to Stanford University Hospital, approximately 20 miles north of San Jose, CA and 40 miles south of San Francisco.
Lucile Packard Children's Hospital
725 Welch Road
Palo Alto, California 94304
(650) 497-8000
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