Parathyroid  Hypoparathyroidism
Definition
Hypoparathyroidism, or underfunctioning of the parathyroid glands is a rare condition that can occur as a consequence of damage during parathyroid or thyroid surgery or can occur as a rare idiopathic condition of unknown cause which usually presents at a young age.
Symptoms
Hypoparathyroidism includes symptoms of low calcium which can occur acutely following parathyroid or thyroid surgery or more chronically in the case of idiopathic hypoparathyroidism or permanent hypofunction following iatrogenic injury.
- Tingling of the fingertips, lips or feet
- Muscle cramps or numbness
- Dysarthria
- Dysphagia
- Carpo-pedal spasm
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- Convulsions
- Laryngeal edema and stridor
- Mental changes (chronic)
- Cataracts (chronic)
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Diagnosis
The diagnosis of hypoparathyroidism is made on the basis of physical examination findings and confirmed by laboratory tests indicating decreased serum calcium levels.
PTH levels in chronically low states or suspected postoperative hypoparathyroidism are helpful in diagnosis and determining the need for ongoing therapy.
Treatment Options
- Oral or intravenous calcium supplementation
- Oral Vitamin D preparations
- PTH (experimental, see Research)
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