Hypocalcemia in Infants

Hypocalcemia is present when a person’s blood calcium level is below normal. Calcium is a mineral that is used by the body in many ways.

A lack of blood calcium can affect the heart and muscles, make the bones more likely to break, and cause other problems. Normal calcium levels depend on hormones and vitamin D levels.

Hypocalcemia that develops in the first few days of life is called early hypocalcemia. This type of hypocalcemia may be temporary. Hypocalcemia that develops after the first few days of life is called late hypocalcemia.

What are the causes?

Causes of hypocalcemia in infants include:

• Low oxygen levels.
• An infection.
• Stress.
• Liver or intestinal problems.
• Certain medicines.
• Certain diseases.

What increases the risk?

Hypocalcemia is more likely to develop in:

• Premature infants.
• Babies who have infections or breathing problems.
• Babies who are stressed at birth.
• Babies who are born to mothers who have a problem that can affect blood calcium levels, such as diabetes or hyperparathyroidism.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Signs and symptoms may include:

• Shakiness.
• Jerky movements.
• Seizures. This symptom is rare.

Babies who have early hypocalcemia often have no symptoms.

How is this diagnosed?

Hypocalcemia is diagnosed with a blood test.

How is this treated?

Treatment may include giving your baby:

• Calcium by mouth (orally) or through an IV tube.
• Vitamin D.

Your baby’s exact treatment will depend on the cause of the hypocalcemia.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Feed your baby as instructed by your child’s health care provider.
• Give your baby supplements only as directed by your child’s health care provider.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your baby has a poor appetite.
• Your baby is unusually irritable.

Get help right away if:

• Your baby has a seizure or shakiness after treatment.
• Your baby makes jerky movements after treatment.
• Your baby is breathing rapidly.
• The spaces between or under your baby’s ribs look like they are sucked in.
• Your baby makes a high-pitched noise while breathing in or out.
• Your baby vomits repeatedly.