Convulsive seizures in infants with pyridoxine-deficient diet.

Abstract

In the fall of 1951, four young infants with hyperirritability and recurrent seizures were admitted to the pediatric department of the Saint Joseph's Hospital. Extensive clinical and laboratory evaluations were made, including complete blood cell counts, urinalysis, blood urea nitrogen, electrolyte determinations, glucose tolerance test, x-ray survey, phenylpyruvic acid test, spinal tap, and electroencephalogram. All laboratory procedures on each patient were within normal limits. During their hospital stay, all of the infants clinically improved, with rapid decrease of their hyperirritability and cessation of their seizures. Without benefit of medication, all have remained free from seizure throughout the succeeding two years. The appearance of this small group of unexplained seizures prompted a review of the cases, with the revelation of one pertinent observation. From birth each infant had been fed on liquid SMA formula, which consists principally of defatted cow's milk, vegetable and animal fats, and vitamins, plus iron. Furthermore, the