[Clinical manifestations of spasmophilia in developing age].

82 children (47 male and 35 female), aged between 2 and 12 years, with signs and symptoms consistent with spasmophilia, were investigated with an emg technique to better define boundaries of tetanic syndrome. In all subjects an ischaemic test was performed to the upper limb and the spontaneous emg activity from thenar eminence was recorded both during and after ischaemia. Moreover a clinical examination, with particular attention to objective signs of spasmophilia, were performed and serum electrolytes determined. Electromyographic spontaneous activity was noticed in 46 children (24 female, 22 male), 31 of them were hypocalcemic. The frequency of the various clinical manifestations is reported and correlated with emg and humoral findings. Significant difference between sexes in the incidence of tetanic syndrome where not noticed. More frequent symptoms for spasmophilia are tensive headache and cramps, abdominal spasms, psycomotos instability and anxiety; Chvostek's sign is frequent but no specific. The other symptoms assume relevance only if present in association. The role of electromyographic criteria in the detection of tetanic syndrome is stressed.