Transient Pseudohypoparathyroidism as a Cause of Late-onset Hypocalcemia in Neonates and Infants

Background/Purpose

Transient pseudohypoparathyroidism is a rare cause of late-onset hypocalcemia in neonates and infants. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical presentation and natural course of transient pseudohypoparathyroidism in neonates and infants.

Methods

From 1995 to 2006, 21 patients under 3 months of age were admitted to our department because of late-onset neonatal hypocalcemia. Among these, five were noted to have transient hypocalcemia, hyper-phosphatemia and elevated serum parathyroid hormone levels. Their clinical data, biochemical findings and natural course were thoroughly analyzed.

Results

All five patients were boys with increased neuromuscular irritability as their initial clinical manifestation. Initial biochemical data showed calcium 1.5 ± 0.16 mmol/L, phosphorus 9.6 ± 1.5 mg/dL, intact parathyroid hormone 182 ± 93 pg/mL and tubular reabsorption of phosphorus 94.8 ± 3.7%. Two of the patients had magnesium deficiency. After reduction of phosphorus intake and supplementation with calcium and/or magnesium as indicated, the biochemical derangements resolved in 28 ± 3 days.

Conclusion

Neuromuscular irritability is usually the initial clinical presentation of transient pseudohypoparathyroidism. Aside from delayed renal maturation, pseudohypoparathyroidism is also caused by magnesium deficiency. Such a disturbance usually resolves before 3 months of age.

Key Words:  hyperphosphatemia , hypocalcemia , magnesium deficiency , pediatrics , pseudohypoparathyroidism

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