A CASE OF DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY DUE TO HYPOCALCEMIA IN NEWBORN

Abstract

Dilation of one or both ventricles and systolic dysfunction occur dilated cardiomyopathy. Hypocalcemia is a rare cause of reversible heart failure and dilated cardiomyopathy. A seventeen-day old male infant was brought to our clinic with complaints of poor feeding and convulsion. On physical examination, the patient had worse general appearance and was apathetic. Examination of cardiovascular system revealed 2/6 diastolic murmur and signs of congestive heart failure. The value of serum calcium was 4.8 mg / dL. Cerebrospinal fluid examination was unremarkable. Echocardiographic evaluation showed enlarged heart chambers and globally hypokinetic left ventricular wall. Left ventricular ejection fraction was 39% and shortening fraction was 17%. After the treatment of calcium gluconate, a clinically dramatic improvement was observed. On the second day of hospitalization, the echocardiographic examination was normal. Therefore, we suggest that sermon calcium level in newborn with cardiomyopathy should be measured.