Hypocalcaemic seizures: sign of intestinal disease?

Acta Gastroenterol Belg. 2007 Apr-Jun;70(2):243-4.

Abstract

We describe a baby admitted with convulsions, fever, low protein level and coagulation abnormalities where congenital intestinal lymphangiectasia was confirmed by endoscopy and histology. Treatment with a low fat diet, supplemented with medium chain triglycerides (MCT), resulted in a disappearance of the symptoms and normal growth. When confronted with seizure-like attacks, electrolyte disturbances and hypo-albuminemia one should consider the possibility of protein losing enteropathy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Calcium / blood*
  • Calcium / deficiency
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Hypocalcemia / blood
  • Hypocalcemia / complications*
  • Hypocalcemia / diagnosis
  • Infant
  • Lymphangiectasis, Intestinal / blood
  • Lymphangiectasis, Intestinal / complications*
  • Lymphangiectasis, Intestinal / congenital
  • Male
  • Seizures / blood
  • Seizures / diagnosis
  • Seizures / etiology*

Substances

  • Calcium