Hypocalcemia and its potential impacts on neurodevelopmental disorders: a systematic review Restricted; Files Only

Abstract

Hypocalcemia can affect a number of organs throughout the body. While there is existing indirect evidence on hypocalcemia and neurodevelopmental disorders of autism (ASD), 22q11 Deletion Syndrome (22q11DS), and schizophrenia, there has not been a review on all the available literature. In this systematic review, we sought to synthesize crucial background information from a wide range of resources to show the potential association between hypocalcemia and these neurodevelopmental disorders. A total of 74 sources were identified that provided either indirect or direct evidence on hypocalcemia and its effects on these neurodevelopmental disorders. Results showed that literature on vitamin D deficiency, a crucial calciotropic hormone, and its potential association with neurodevelopmental disorders were numerous. However, there were only 12 that specifically-mentioned calcium and its potential impacts on neurodevelopmental disorders. While ASD, 22q11DS, and schizophrenia have been shown to be likely connected, the focus has mainly been on vitamin D deficiency. The aim of this study is to gather existing literature on how hypocalcemia could help explain potential association to these neurodevelopmental disorders. Future large cohort studies involving patients diagnosed with hypocalcemia in the relationship of this to neuropsychiatric disorders such as 22q11DS, ASD, and schizophrenia are needed. Such cohort studies would ideally incorporate a range of ages from neonatal to adulthood, and would provide important insight into this potential association and could improve early diagnosis and treatment for improved outcomes. 

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

Purpose and Reasoning for this Study

Methods

Search Strategy

Selection Criteria

RESULTS

PHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS

Calcium

Calcium Homeostasis and Neurodevelopment

Calcium sensing receptor

PTH

Vitamin D

HYPOCALCEMIA

Background

Clinical features

Causes

Treatment

The role of PTH in hypocalcemia and its treatment

CALCIUM IN NEUROLOGICAL FUNCTIONS

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Autism

Background

Vitamin D Deficiency and Autism

22q11 Deletion/DiGeorge Syndrome

Background

22q11 Deletion Syndrome and Autism

Schizophrenia

Background

Vitamin D Deficiency and Schizophrenia

22q11 Deletion Syndrome and Schizophrenia

DISCUSSION

Hypocalcemia and Autism

Hypocalcemia and 22q11 Deletion Syndrome

Hypocalcemia and Schizophrenia

CONCLUSION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

APPENDIX

TABLE 1: Genetic Disorders associated with Hypocalcemia

Table 2: Analysis of all included studies

DSMV Index and Hypocalcemia Search Terms

REFERENCES

About this Master's Thesis

Rights statement

• Permission granted by the author to include this thesis or dissertation in this repository. All rights reserved by the author. Please contact the author for information regarding the reproduction and use of this thesis or dissertation.

School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Hubert Department of Global Health
Degree	M.P.H.
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, General Health Sciences, Mental Health Health Sciences, Public Health
Keyword	neurodevelopmental disorders neurodevelopment 22q11 Deletion Syndrome vitamin D deficiency schizophrenia autism hypocalcemia
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Dr. Brad Pearce, Emory University
Committee Members	Dr. Unjali Gujral, Emory University

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