Congenital vitamin D deficiency: presenting with feeding difficulty in early infancy: a case report

Hypocalcemia-induced laryngospasm presenting with feeding difficulties and recurrent apneic episodes is a rare yet serious clinical condition. This report emphasizes the need to consider hypocalcemia as a potential cause of unexplained feeding difficulties or recurrent apnea in newborns and infants. Therefore, clinicians should remain vigilant and maintain a high index of suspicion to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment. It is essential to measure serum calcium and vitamin D levels in both the mother and infant, particularly for newborns of high-risk mothers, such as those who wear conservative religious clothing like a niqab. Furthermore, routine biochemical screening for vitamin D deficiency should be incorporated into antenatal care for all high-risk mothers, with appropriate supplementation to prevent potential complications in both mothers and their infants.