Which vitamin deficiency is responsible for neonatal seizure –
**Core Concept**
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) deficiency is a rare cause of seizures in neonates, particularly those with pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy. This condition is characterized by intractable seizures that do not respond to conventional antiepileptic medications.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy is a genetic disorder that affects the metabolism of pyridoxine, leading to seizures due to an accumulation of neurotransmitter precursors. The condition is often associated with mutations in the ALDH7A1 gene, which codes for an enzyme involved in pyridoxine metabolism. Administration of pyridoxine can lead to a rapid resolution of seizures in affected neonates.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Vitamin B12 deficiency is not typically associated with neonatal seizures, although it can cause neurological symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, and neuropathy.
**Option B:** Folic acid deficiency can cause megaloblastic anemia and other hematological abnormalities, but it is not directly linked to seizures.
**Option C:** Vitamin K deficiency is a well-known cause of bleeding disorders in neonates, particularly those with liver disease or receiving broad-spectrum antibiotics. However, it is not typically associated with seizures.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy is a treatable cause of neonatal seizures, and prompt recognition and treatment can significantly improve outcomes. A high index of suspicion should be maintained in neonates with intractable seizures, particularly those with a family history of epilepsy.
**Correct Answer: D. Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) deficiency.**