Parathyroid and Calciums (Hypo/Hyperparathyroidism)

Question 1

Cause of Hypoparathyroidism:

Leads to…

Answer 1

congenital lack of the four parathyroid glands
or following surgery/radiation in neck region

result of an autoimmune disease

hypocalcaemia
or
low serum ca levels

Question 2

Hypocalcaemia affects:

Answer 2

nerves and muscle function

Question 3

Low serum ca levels =

Answer 3

weak cardiac muscle contraction
increased excitability nerves = spontaneous contraction skeletal muscle, twitching and spasms aka tetany - usually seen first in face and hands

Question 4

Tx:

Hyper:

Hypo:

Answer 4

underlying disorders treated

parathyroidectomy

chronic hypoparathyroidism - treat w ca and vitD

chronic - ca and vitD

Question 5

Cause of Hyperparathyroidism:

Answer 5

adenoma
hyperplasia
secondary to renal failure

Question 6

Hyperparathyroidism leads to…

Answer 6

forceful cardiac contractions
serious effects occur in bone tissue
^PTH = ca leaves bone = osteoporosis, weakening of the bone - fractures easily
also ^predisposition to kidney stones

Question 7

Calcium metabolism in Hyperparathyroidism

Answer 7

may be modified by other factors e.g. presence vitD, serum phosphate levels
ca imbalance may not caused by hormone disorders

serum levels PTH and ca vary depending on specific cause of problem

pts immobile/bone cancer
hypercalcemia present w low level PTH
pt severe renal disease
decreased activation of vit D in kidneys

Question 8

Why are any changes in bone, kidney and digestive tract significan in determining the cause of Ca imbalance, as are levels of Ca, Phosphate and PTH?

Answer 8

renal failure = retention of phosphate ionS =
hyperphosphotaemia

as ca and pso4 have reciprocal relationship = hypocalcaemiA

hypocalcaemia = high levels of PTH

Question 9

What does hyperparathyroidism result in?

Answer 9

hypercalcemia/high serum calcium levels