CLINICAL SIGNS OF NEONATAL TETANY: WITH ESPECIAL REFERENCE TO THEIR OCCURRENCE IN NEWBORN BABIES OF DIABETIC MOTHERS

Abstract

The occurrence of hypocalcemic tetany in seven newly born infants is described. Six of the infants were born to mothers with a history of diabetes mellitus. The mother of the seventh infant was obese and had a prediabetic type of glucose tolerance curve. Clinical signs of tetany appeared within 24 hours of birth. They were severe in five infants and mild in two. Chemical findings in the blood are summarized. All seven infants were born prematurely. Diagnosis and differential diagnosis are discussed. It is considered that hypocalcemic tetany probably occurs with a significant frequency in babies newly born to diabetic mothers. It is suggested that the occurrence of hypocalcemic tetany is favored by the temporary decline which normally occurs soon after birth in the concentration of calcium in the serum, more particularly in premature babies; and that disturbance of the normal maternal hormonal adjustments of pregnancy and especially of adrenopituitary function in diabetic mothers, may be a determining factor.