title: Hyperexcitability syndrome in a newborn infant of chocoholic mother.
abstract: We present a case of hyperexcitability syndrome observed in a neonate born to a mother who was a heavy user of cocoa and chocolate during pregnancy and lactation. The infant presented jitteriness, irritability, inconsolable crying, excessive sucking, and sleeping difficulties almost immediately after birth. The infant underwent extensive diagnostic studies, but none of the usual causes for its symptoms were identified. The symptoms resolved after the interruption of maternal chocolate consumption. We hypothesize that the heavy exposure to chocolate could be responsible for the hyperexcitability syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric and Surgical Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cambria
authors.forename: Rosa
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Manganaro
authors.forename: Carmelo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mamì
authors.forename: Lucia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Marseglia
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gemelli
mesh_terms: D002099:Cacao / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D009357:Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000209:etiology*; D013577:Syndrome