pediatrics
Neonatal Hypocalcemia
Key Points
Neonatal hypocalcemia usually occurs within the first 2 days of life and is most often caused by prematurity, being small for gestational age, maternal diabetes or hyperparathyroidism, and perinatal asphyxia. Neonates may have hypotonia, tachycardia, tachypnea, apnea, poor feeding, jitteriness, tetany, and/or seizures. Diagnose by measuring total or ionized serum calcium level; measure glucose level to rule out hypoglycemia. Treat early-onset hypocalcemia with IV 10%calcium gluconate, followed by several days of oral calcium supplementation. 