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Lifespan’s A - Z Health Information Library |
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Hypocalcemia - infantsAlternative NamesCalcium level - low - infants DefinitionHypocalcemia is an abnormally low blood calcium level. This article discusses low blood calcium levels in infants. CausesCalcium is a salt that is helps the heart and muscles work. A healthy baby usually has very careful control of blood calcium levels. Common causes of hypocalcemia in a newborn, include prematurity, stress, infection, diabetes in the birth mother, and certain medications. There are also some rare illnesses that can result in low calcium levels. SymptomsThere are frequently no symptoms in babies with hypocalcemia. Sometimes, babies with low calcium levels are jittery, and rarely have seizures. Exams and TestsThere are often no signs. Diagnosis is usually made when a blood test shows that the infant's calcium levels are low. Outlook (Prognosis)Long-term hypocalcemia results in poor bone formation, which may lead to very brittle bones that are prone to breaking. Review Date: 11/27/2007
Reviewed By: Deirdre O’Reilly, M.D., M.P.H., Neonatologist, Division of Newborn Medicine, Children’s Hospital Boston and Instructor in Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. The information provided herein should not be used during any
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