The Approach to Tetanic Hypocalcemia Caused by Vitamin D Deficiency.

Abstract

Recently studies have shown that over half of infants, children and teenagers may be inadequately supplemented. A high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in children has been observed worldwide, even in sunny countries. Regardless of the recommendations, vitamin D supplementation is sometimes underestimated, supporting the idea that for children in sunny country it is unnecessary. In the modern area of supplementation, tetany seems to be a problem of the past. Usually it occurs at 3 to 6 months of age, that's why diagnostic suspicion may be low after this age. We report a case of severe hypocalcemia presented with tetany, in an18-months-old child with severe vitamin D deficiency, because of not receiving vitamin D as supplementation. With underestimation of vitamin D supplementation, tetany may emerge again. Through our report we aim to highlight the aggressive approach to tetanic hypocalcemia in children with vitamin D deficiency and to sensitize a rigorous surveillance in order to ensure adequate vitamin D supplementation by pregnant, breastfeeding mothers, children and adolescents.

• Authors: I Bakalli, E Kola, E Celaj, D Sala, I Gjeta, D Klironomi, A Gjikopulli
• Journal: Current health sciences journal (Curr Health Sci J) 2019 Oct-Dec Vol. 45 Issue 4 Pg. 412-415 ISSN: 2067-0656 [Print] Romania
• PMID: 32110444 (Publication Type: Case Reports)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2019, Medical University Publishing House Craiova.