[Tetany--a first symptom of celiac disease].

BACKGROUND

Seizures in children are usually caused by fever or epilepsy, though they may also be caused by electrolyte, vitamin or mineral disturbances. We describe a case of hypocalcaemic tetany with hypovitaminosis D.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

The patient was a previously healthy eight months old girl of Indian origin.

RESULTS

Investigations revealed that she suffered from coeliac disease.

INTERPRETATION: Coeliac disease is a well-known disorder, characterised by enteropathy and malabsorption causing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea and failure to thrive. Enteropathy and specific malnutrition may occur in the total absence of gastrointestinal symptoms.