Role of Ca 2+ Homeostasis Disruption in Rotavirus-Associated Seizures

Abstract

Rotavirus infection disturbs cellular Ca²⁺ homeostasis by triggering an increase in Ca²⁺ permeation. A theoretical link between Ca²⁺ dysregulation and seizures in patients with rotavirus gastroenteritis has been suggested, but no prior studies have investigated this relationship. To test our hypothesis that patients with rotavirus-associated seizures have greater Ca²⁺ homeostasis disruption than those without seizures, we compared clinical and laboratory data—including corrected total serum Ca²⁺ levels—between the 2 groups. Age, gender, maximum body temperature, day of admission, levels of electrolytes except Ca²⁺, blood pH, and urine ketone levels were not related to seizure occurrence. Significantly lower Ca²⁺ levels were found among the seizure (+) group (9.22 ± 0.50 vs 9.66 ± 0.46 mg/dL, P = .01). Although Ca²⁺ levels were within normal ranges and did not directly cause the seizures, our results provide preliminary evidence for a relationship between Ca²⁺ homeostasis disruption and seizures in rotavirus patients.