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Hypoparathyroidism
Definition
Hypoparthyroidism is a deficiency of parathyroid hormone that causes abnormal metabolism of calcium and phosphorus.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Calcium and phosphorus are important body minerals. They form the mineral component of bones, and they exist as charged particles called ions in the blood and inside cells.
Parathyroid hormone (PTH) regulates the amount of calcium and phosphorus in bone and blood. The four small parathyroid glands located in the neck, behind the thyroid, make PTH.
Hypoparathyroidism is the clinical condition caused by a lack of PTH. Blood calcium levels fall, and phosphorus levels rise. Low blood calcium levels may cause symptoms such as tingling of the lips, fingers, and toes, and muscle cramps or spasms.
The most common cause of hypoparathyroidism is injury to the parathyroid glands during head and neck surgery. Rarely, hypoparathyroidism is a side effect of radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism. PTH secretion may be impaired when blood levels of magnesium are low or when blood pH is too high, a condition called metabolic alkalosis.
DiGeorge syndrome is a childhood disease in which hypoparathyroidism occurs due to congenital absence of the parathyroid glands. Familial hypoparathyroidism occurs with other endocrine diseases such as adrenal insufficiency in a syndrome called type I polyglandular autoimmune syndrome (PGA I).
Risk factors for hypoparathyroidism include 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 about 4 out of 100,000 people.
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Definition Hypoparathyroidism Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors Hypoparathyroidism Symptoms & Signs Hypoparathyroidism Prevention Hypoparathyroidism Diagnosis & Tests Hypoparathyroidism Treatment Hypoparathyroidism Prognosis Hypoparathyroidism Complications Calling Your Health Care Provider
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Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
Addison's Disease Arrhythmias Cataract Hypercalcemia Hyperthyroidism Parkinson's Disease Pernicious Anemia
Tests & Exams
Calcium - Ionized Calcium - Urine ECG PTH Serum Calcium Serum Magnesium - Test Serum Phosphorus
Surgery & Procedures
Tracheostomy
Other Topics
Abdominal Pain Acute Breathing Difficulty Calcification Consciousness - Decreased Dry Hair Dry Skin Endocrine Face Pain Hand or Foot Spasms Incidence Intravenous Menstruation - Painful Muscle Cramps Nail Abnormalities Numbness and Tingling Respiratory Seizures Tooth Formation - Delayed or Absent Vitamin D
Review Date : 1/6/2003
Reviewed By : Todd T. Brown, M.D., Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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