Hypocalcaemic seizures: sign of intestinal disease?
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.
Van Biervliet
S
S
Department of paediatric gastroenterology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium. Stephanie.vanbiervliet@ugent.be
Velde
S Vande
SV
Robberecht
E
E
Van Winckel
M
M
D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood* / Q000172:deficiency; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006996:Hypocalcemia / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D007223:Infant; D008201:Lymphangiectasis, Intestinal / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000151:congenital; D008297:Male; D012640:Seizures / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*
D002118:Calcium