Asymptomatic parathyroid adenoma in mother as a cause of late-onset persistent hypocalcemia in a newborn

Abstract

Pregnant women with primary hyperparathyroidism may be asymptomatic or have mild symptoms such as fatigue, thirst, constipation, or transient depression. Transfer of calcium from mother to fetus leads to increased fetal calcium concentrations, suppressing fetal parathyroid hormone synthesis, and stimulating calcitonin secretion leading to neonatal hypocalcemia. Here, we present a report of a newborn admitted on day 10 of life with recurrent tonic convulsions. On investigation, it was found that the baby had severe persistent hypocalcemia which when further evaluated was due to asymptomatic maternal hyperparathyroidism due to parathyroid adenoma.