Maternal vitamin D deficiency associated with neonatal hypocalcaemic convulsions

Nutr J. 2007 Sep 19:6:23. doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-6-23.

Abstract

Maternal vitamin D insufficiency is not uncommon. Infants born to mothers who are deficient in vitamin D and or calcium, usually due to cultural modifications in their diets or clothing habits, and in addition are breastfed, are at risk of developing vitamin D deficiency and hypocalcaemia. We present a case of neonatal hypocalcaemic seizures secondary to vitamin D deficiency. Rickets in children resulting from vitamin D deficiency is well documented. It is also becoming clear that there is a positive correlation between maternal vitamin D status during pregnancy and lactation and the development of rickets both in infancy and childhood. The correlation between maternal vitamin D, neonatal vitamin D and hypocalcaemia is not well documented.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Breast Feeding*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypocalcemia / complications*
  • Hypocalcemia / diagnosis
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / physiology*
  • Maternal-Fetal Exchange
  • Milk, Human / chemistry*
  • Nutritional Status
  • Pregnancy
  • Risk Factors
  • Seizures / etiology*
  • Sunlight
  • Vitamin D / therapeutic use*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / complications*
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / diagnosis

Substances

  • Vitamin D