Spasmophilia

Spasmophilia: features of calcium and phosphorus metabolism disorders in young children

Spasmophilia is a special form of calcium and phosphorus metabolism disorder, which often occurs in young children suffering from rickets. This disorder is characterized by increased neuro-reflex excitability, which can lead to tonic and clonic-tonic seizures due to hypocalcemia - a decrease in calcium levels in the blood.

Etiology and pathogenesis

The calcium content in the blood serum during rickets decreases in the initial phase, during exacerbation and as a result of therapy. A decrease in calcium levels in the blood leads to increased excitability of the nervous system, which can cause seizures. Hyperphosphatemia contributes to a decrease in calcium ionization. With an insufficient or excessive therapeutic dose of vitamin D or with increased insolation in the spring months, more calcium enters the bones than is absorbed in the intestines due to the mobilization of calcium from the blood. Calcium absorption is impaired due to digestive disorders and intestinal infections.

Clinical picture

Latent spasmophilia can be identified by examining the symptoms of Chvostek (tapping with a finger at the exit site of the facial nerve on the zygomatic arch and in the corner of the lower jaw causes a rapid contraction of the facial muscles), Trousseau (squeezing the shoulder with a tonometer cuff or fingers causes a spasm of the muscles of the hand - “obstetrician’s hand”) , peroneal and ulnar phenomena (abduction of the foot when tapping in the area of ​​the head of the fibula, flexion of the fingers when tapping in the area of ​​the lateral condyle of the elbow).

Manifest spasmophilia is manifested by generalized tonic and clonic convulsions, carpopedal spasm ("obstetrician's hand" and equinovarus position of the foot), sometimes laryngospasm - paroxysmal narrowing of the glottis or short-term but complete closure.

Diagnosis and differential diagnosis

The diagnosis of spasmophilia is established based on the presence of signs of rickets and symptoms of increased neuromuscular excitability in the child, as well as the detection of hypocalcemia and alkalosis. Differential diagnosis is carried out with hypoparathyroidism, renal osteodystrophy, epilepsy.

Treatment

Prispasmophilia requires complex therapy, including treatment of rickets and correction of calcium and phosphorus metabolism disorders. First of all, it is recommended to prescribe vitamin D in combination with calcium. Doses of vitamin and calcium should be individually selected depending on age, weight and degree of development of rickets. It is important to monitor the level of calcium and phosphorus in the blood and, if necessary, adjust the dosage of drugs.

For attacks of spasmophilia, anticonvulsants or sedatives are prescribed. Physiotherapy, massage, and therapeutic exercises may also be indicated, which help improve muscle tone and reduce the risk of seizures.

Prevention

Prevention of spasmophilia consists of proper nutrition and regular intake of vitamin D in accordance with the recommendations of doctors. It is necessary to ensure sufficient amounts of calcium and phosphorus in the diet, as well as monitor the health of the digestive system. It is important to conduct regular medical examinations and consultations with doctors for the timely detection and treatment of rickets and other diseases that can lead to disturbances in the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus.

Spasmophia

Introduction Spasmophilia is a disease characterized by convulsive muscle contractions that occur in children due to insufficient concentration of electrolytes in the blood. This disease may also be called diathesis-spasmophilitic or infantile tetany. It affects only muscle tissue. The cause of spasmophys is a lack of potassium in the body, as a result of which the functioning of the neuromuscular system is disrupted. It is the lack of calcium that provokes the appearance of spasms. Therefore, you should monitor its quantity in the children's menu. In this case, you need to contact a nutritionist so that he can select a suitable diet and nutrition.

Symptoms of the disease The initial manifestations of spasphilia are characterized by the following symptoms: muscle hypertonicity, constant tension, and often periodic attacks of convulsions. Regarding the latter, their time and moment of beginning cannot be predicted or predicted in advance. It is also worth noting