Neonatal Calcium Levels and Hypocalcemia

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Questions and Answers

What happens to blood-ionized Ca2+ concentrations in neonates within the first week after birth?

They increase gradually until reaching adult levels.
They drop significantly and stabilize at lower levels than in adults.
They decline by approximately 10%–20% and then stabilize at higher levels than in adults. (correct)
They remain high and stabilize rapidly.

Which of the following is NOT a possible etiology for rapid decreases in ionized Ca2+ concentrations in neonates?

Hypocalcemia (correct)
Abnormal PTH metabolism
Hypercholesterolemia
Hypomagnesemia

Which group of symptoms is primarily associated with severe hypocalcemia?

Neuromuscular irritability and cardiac irregularities (correct)
Fever and rash
Vomiting and diarrhea
Weight loss and lethargy

What ion levels are indicative of severe hypocalcemia in neonates?

Below 1.88 mmol/L (7.5 mg/dL) (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms is NOT typically associated with neuromuscular irritability due to hypocalcemia?

Tachycardia (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why might neonates experience a rapid decrease in ionized Ca2+ concentrations after birth?

They may lose calcium rapidly and not reabsorb it effectively. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Neonatal calcium decline

The process where the body's calcium levels decrease quickly after birth, often due to insufficient calcium absorption and/or increased calcium loss.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

A hormone that regulates calcium levels in the blood, by promoting calcium absorption in the intestines and release from bones.

Vitamin D

A fat-soluble vitamin that plays a role in calcium absorption from the gut.

Hypocalcemia

Low levels of calcium in the blood, often caused by hormonal issues, vitamin deficiencies, or inability to absorb calcium.

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Tetany

An abnormal condition where there are involuntary muscle spasms or contractions, often associated with low calcium levels in the blood.

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Cardiac arrhythmia or heart block

An abnormal heart rhythm or blockage, often a symptom of low calcium in the blood.

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Study Notes

Neonatal Calcium Levels

Neonatal blood ionized calcium levels are high at birth, then decline 10-20% within 1-3 days.
After one week, ionized calcium stabilizes, slightly exceeding adult levels.
Rapid ionized calcium decrease in newborns may be due to inadequate calcium reabsorption.

Potential Causes of Hypocalcemia

Abnormal parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D metabolism.
Hypercholesterolemia
Hypophosphatemia
Hypomagnesemia

Hypocalcemia Symptoms

Primarily affects neuromuscular function and cardiac rhythm.
Neuromuscular symptoms include paresthesia, muscle cramps, tetany, and seizures.
Cardiac symptoms may include arrhythmias or heart block.
Symptoms often arise with severe hypocalcemia, when total calcium levels drop below 7.5 mg/dL (1.88 mmol/L).

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Description

This quiz covers the essential concepts of neonatal calcium levels and hypocalcemia. Understanding ionized calcium changes in newborns, potential causes of hypocalcemia, and the associated symptoms are crucial for neonatology. Test your knowledge on these critical topics related to neonatal health.