Generalized Myoclonic Seizures in a Neonate: A Rare Occurrence in Hypocalcemic Etiology Secondary to Maternal Vitamin D Deficiency

Abstract

Maternal vitamin D insufficiency is not unheard of. In India, the most common cause of maternal deficiency in vitamin D and or calcium is due to the significant lack in the staple diet. Breastfeeding infants of such mothers are at an increased risk of developing vitamin D deficiency and hypocalcemia presenting with seizures. We present a case of an infant with hypocalcemic seizures secondary to vitamin D deficiency in both mother and child. The seizure activity initially tackled with an anti-epileptic and later tapered to stop after identification of hypocalcemia as the etiology through blood investigations and radiological evidence. Treatment with Calcium Gluconate was then given along with additional correction dose of Vitamin D. Upon investigation the mother was also found to have significant Vitamin D deficiency which was addressed as well. When maternal vitamin D insufficiency is the cause of neonatal hypocalcemic seizures, it may occur in both term and preterm neonates. Occurrence of generalized convulsions in the afebrile neonate represents a serious problem.