Hypoparathyroidism (patient information)

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Overview
Hypoparathyroidism is a disorder in which the parathyroid glands do not produce enough parathyroid hormone (PTH). This kind of hormone plays an important role in regulating and maintaining a balance of calcium and phosphorus. Studies demonstrate that conditions such as damage to the parathyroid glands after a neck or head surgery, radiation therapy for tumor on the face or neck, low levels of magnesium and family histories may be associated with the cause of hypoparathyroidism. The low production of parathyroid hormone in hypoparathyroidism may lead to symptoms such as paresthesias, muscle aches or cramps, twitching or spasms, even seizure, anxiety or nervousness and headaches. Tests on levels of blood-calcium, blood-magnesium, blood-phosphorus and parathyroid hormone can help diagnose hypoparathyroidism. Treatments for hypoparathyroidism include taking calcium carbonate and vitamin D supplements to normalize blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Prognosis of hypoparathyroidism depends on whether the patient is diagnosed and treated early.

How do I know if I have hypoparathyroidism and what are the symptoms of hypoparathyroidism?
Signs and symptoms of hypoparathyroidism include:
 * Paresthesias in the fingertips, toes and lips
 * Muscle aches or cramps, twitching or spasms, even seizure
 * Palpitation
 * Fatigue or weakness
 * Painful menstruation
 * Hair or eyebrows loss
 * Dry, coarse skin
 * Brittle nails
 * Anxiety or nervousness
 * Headaches
 * Depression
 * Memory problems
 * Cataracts

Other health problems may also cause these symptoms. Only a doctor can tell for sure. A person with any of these symptoms should tell the doctor so that the problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.

Who is at risk for hypoparathyroidism?

 * Damage to the parathyroid glands after a neck or head surgery
 * Radiation therapy of face or neck
 * Low levels of magnesium in your blood
 * A family history of hypoparathyroidism

How to know you have hypoparathyroidism?

 * Blood tests: Patients with hypoparathyroidism may indicate signs, such as low levels of blood-calcium, blood-magnesium and parathyroid hormone, a high level of blood-phosphorus.
 * Electrocardiogram (ECG): This is a simple and painless test that records the heart's electrical activity. It can detect arrhythmias associated with hypoparathyroidism.
 * Urine calcium test: This test can show whether your body is excreting too much calcium.
 * X-rays and bone density tests： These tests may also identify whether abnormal calcium levels have affected the strength of your bones.

When to seek urgent medical care?
Call your health care provider if symptoms of hypoparathyroidism develop. If you experience either of the following symptoms, seeking urgent medical care as soon as possible:
 * Palpitation
 * Seizure

Treatment options
The goal of treatment for hypoparathyroidism is to restore blood levels of calcium and phosphorus to normal. Calcium carbonate and vitamin D supplements are the only currently approved treatment.
 * Diet: Patients with hypoparathyroidism should get diets rich in calcium and low in phosphorus. Foods, such as green leafy vegetables, broccoli, kale, and fortified orange juice and breakfast cereals are recommended by your dietitian. But patients had better not take many foods such as carbonated soft drinks, eggs and meats.
 * Calcium carbonate and vitamin D supplements: Usually, the patient can take the drugs by oral. In some cases with severe spasms or severe cramps, the doctor may recommend hospitalization in order to administer calcium by intravenous (IV) infusion to release symptoms as soon as possible. After hospital discharge, you can continue to take calcium and vitamin D as an oral supplement. When taking the drugs, patients with hypoparathyroidism need to monitor blood levels of calcium and phosphorus regularly.

Diseases with similar symptoms

 * Renal function failure
 * Seizure
 * Rickets
 * Pseudohypoparathyroidism

Where to find medical care for hypoparathyroidism?
Directions to Hospitals Treating hypoparathyroidism

Prevention of hypoparathyroidism
There is no way to prevent hypoparathyroidism. If the patient will have a surgery involving neck or face, be alert for signs and symptoms indicating hypoparathyroidism.

What to expect (Outook/Prognosis)?
Prognosis of hypoparathyroidism depends on whether the patient is diagnosed and treated early. If the patient is diagnosed and treated early, outcome may be good and the body grows normally.

Copyleft Sources
http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/hypoparathyroidism/DS00952/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000385.htm

http://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/hypoparathyroidism.cfm