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Hypoparathyroidism Causes and Risks:
The parathyroid glands are located at the front and base of the neck around the thyroid gland. The glands produce parathyroid hormone , which regulates calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium balance within the blood and normal bone mineralization.
Without sufficient amounts of parathyroid hormone, the calcium level in the blood falls and produces symptoms and problems. Hypoparathyroidism may be caused by a genetic disorder; congenital absence of the parathyroid glands; accidental removal or injury of the parathyroid glands during surgery to remove the thyroid gland or other neck surgery; massive radiation to the thyroid gland; or magnesium deficiency.
Risk factors are recent thyroid or neck surgery, family history of parathyroid disorder, or history of certain autoimmune endocrine diseases such as Addison's disease . The incidence is 4 out of 100,000 people.
Prevention:
Close observation after thyroid or neck surgery may alert to early signs of hypoparathyroidism so that treatment can be initiated.
Symptoms:
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
Signs and Tests:
This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:
Treatment:
The goal of treatment is to restore the calcium and associated mineral balance within the body.
Oral calcium carbonate and vitamin D supplements are usually life-long therapy. Blood levels require periodic monitoring to ensure proper dosage. A high-calcium, low-phosphorous diet is recommended.
Supportive care is necessary for an acute life-threatening attack or hypoparathyroid tetany (prolonged muscle contractions ). Calcium is administered by intravenous infusion. Precautions are taken to prevent seizures or larynx spasms . Heart monitoring for abnormal rhythms is continued until the person is stabilized. When the life-threatening attack has been controlled, treatment continues with oral preparations.
Prognosis:
The probable outcome is good if the diagnosis is made early. Dental changes, cataracts , and brain calcifications are irreversible changes.
Complications:
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if symptoms of hypoparathyroidism develop.
Emergency symptoms include seizures and difficulty breathing .
The endocrine system is the chemical control center of the body. The pituitary gland is often considered the master control; sending out hormones that regulate the function of the thyroid, adrenal glands, ovaries, and testis. Over- or under-production of hormones from any of these glands is associated with many different types of disease.
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