Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
hypocalcemia
Pronunciation: hi-po-kal-SEE-mee-ah
Abnormally low blood calcium levels in newborns, which can cause seizures and other serious complications.
Full Definition
Hypocalcemia in newborns is defined as serum calcium levels below 7.0-8.0 mg/dL in term infants or below 7.0 mg/dL in preterm infants. This condition can result from prematurity, birth asphyxia, maternal diabetes, or DiGeorge syndrome. Symptoms may include jitteriness, seizures, apnea, and cardiac arrhythmias. Prompt recognition and treatment with intravenous calcium supplementation is essential to prevent serious complications and long-term neurological sequelae.
Usage
Usage note: Often confused with hypoglycemia; ensure accurate electrolyte specification in documentation.
In Context
- "The preterm infant's jitteriness and seizures were attributed to severe hypocalcemia requiring IV calcium gluconate." — emergency treatment note
- "Hypocalcemia screening was initiated for all infants of diabetic mothers per unit protocol." — nursing care plan
Also known as
low serum calcium
calcium deficiency
Contrasted with
hypercalcemia
normal serum calcium
Don't confuse with
hypoglycemia
hypomagnesemia
hyponatremia