Which condition is characterized by neurologic symptoms such as lethargy and seizures in newborns?

The condition characterized by neurologic symptoms such as lethargy and seizures in newborns is hypoglycemia. In newborns, particularly preterm infants, inadequate glucose levels can lead to significant neurologic impairment. The brain is highly dependent on glucose for energy; thus, when levels drop, it can result in lethargy and seizures due to insufficient fuel for normal cellular function within the central nervous system.

Hypoglycemia can occur due to various reasons such as inadequate feeding, high metabolic demands, or maternal diabetes, which can contribute to the infant’s risk of low blood sugar. The symptoms often present shortly after birth or during the first few days of life, making early recognition and treatment vital to prevent long-term neurologic consequences.

While anemia of prematurity and physiologic anemia can affect overall health and oxygen delivery, they do not typically lead to neurologic symptoms like those caused by hypoglycemia. Conversely, polycythemia relates to an increased number of red blood cells, which can lead to issues such as increased blood viscosity but is less commonly associated with lethargy and seizures directly. Thus, hypoglycemia is the correct condition associated with those specific neurologic symptoms in newborns.