Question
My son was born prematurely, and now he often has trouble sleeping at night. He lacks energy, is irritable, and his hands and feet twitch or have convulsions. He cries a lot and is difficult to soothe. I brought him to a nearby hospital for a check-up, and the doctor there mentioned that it’s neonatal hypocalcemia. What factors can cause neonatal hypocalcemia?
Answer
Neonatal hypocalcemia can be caused by insufficient calcium storage in the fetus or excessive phosphorus intake after birth. Early neonatal hypocalcemia often occurs within the first 2 days after birth, usually due to temporary suppression of parathyroid function. Newborns with low birth weight, asphyxia, or those suffering from respiratory distress syndrome have poorer parathyroid function than full-term normal newborns and less calcium storage, leading to a higher incidence of the disease. It is recommended to visit a better hospital in the area for further examination.