DiGeorge syndrome is typically associated with which calcium disturbance?

DiGeorge syndrome is typically associated with which calcium disturbance?

• A. High calcium
• B. Normal calcium
• C. Low calcium
• D. Calcium fluctuations

Answer: (C)

DiGeorge syndrome typically causes low calcium because the parathyroid glands are underdeveloped or absent due to the 22q11.2 deletion. With insufficient parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium is not released from bone, not reabsorbed efficiently by the kidneys, and not activated in the gut effectively via vitamin D, leading to hypocalcemia. This can present in newborns with jitteriness, irritability, tetany, or seizures. Lab patterns usually show low calcium and low PTH (often with elevated phosphate). So a low calcium disturbance is the classic finding, unlike normal calcium, high calcium, or fluctuating calcium.

DiGeorge syndrome typically causes low calcium because the parathyroid glands are underdeveloped or absent due to the 22q11.2 deletion. With insufficient parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium is not released from bone, not reabsorbed efficiently by the kidneys, and not activated in the gut effectively via vitamin D, leading to hypocalcemia. This can present in newborns with jitteriness, irritability, tetany, or seizures. Lab patterns usually show low calcium and low PTH (often with elevated phosphate). So a low calcium disturbance is the classic finding, unlike normal calcium, high calcium, or fluctuating calcium.