Symptomatic Hypocalcemiain Neonates Due to Maternal Hypovitaminosis D in Rural Tertiary Care Center: A Case Series

Abstract

Vitamin D deficiency in neonates is not uncommon and is characterized by severe hypocalcemic symptoms. In babies with poor vitamin D resources, calcium, phosphorus, and homeostasis are affected, leading to neonatal hypocalcaemia clinical manifestations. Newborn babies with vitamin D deficiency are at risk of deficiency and hypocalcaemia. Therefore, vitamin D supplementation in pregnant and lactating mothers should be routinely considered. Of newborns with symptomatic hypocalcaemia admitted in Level III NICU in the rural part of western Maharashtra from October 2019 to September 2020 were reviewed. These babies were admitted to NICU due to several illnesses, including suspected sepsis, tachypnea, jaundice, etc. They were investigated for sepsis screen including Complete Blood count, CRP, Blood culture, CSF analysis. Cranial USG through anterior fontanelle and Neuro imaging and Electroencephalogram were done wherever necessary. This study intends to highlight the manifestation of maternal hypovitaminosis D on the mother and its effects on the neonate. Maternal hypovitaminosis leads to neonatal hypovitaminosis D and can present as hypocalcaemia.