Parathyroid: Hypoparathyroidism Flashcards
(16 cards)
What is hypoparathyroidism?
Deficient or absent PTH production causing LOW calcium and HIGH phosphate in the blood.
What is a common post-surgical cause of hypoparathyroidism?
Removal of the parathyroid gland, e.g., thyroidectomy.
What autoimmune condition can lead to hypoparathyroidism?
Autoimmune destruction of the parathyroid gland.
Name a congenital condition associated with hypoparathyroidism.
DiGeorge Syndrome.
What metabolic condition can suppress PTH secretion?
- Prolonged hypomagnesaemia.
- Haemochromatosis (excess Iron) and Wilson’s Disease (excess Copper) –> suppress PTH secretion
True or False: Radiation therapy to the head/neck can lead to hypoparathyroidism.
True.
What are mild symptoms of hypoparathyroidism?
- Mild numbness or tingling in extremities
- Muscle cramps
- Fatigue
What is a severe symptom of hypoparathyroidism?
Severe presentations due to hypocalcaemia:
- Tetany (invol. muscle contractions)
- Carpopedal spasm (contraction in hands/feet)
- Laryngospasm (vocal cord spasm)
- Seizures
What is Chvostek’s sign? –> HYPOcalcaemia
Twitching of the facial muscles in response to tapping over the facial nerve.
What does Trousseau’s sign indicate? –> HYPOcalcaemia
Carpopedal spasm induced by occluding the brachial artery with a BP cuff.
What are the blood investigation findings in hypoparathyroidism?
- LOW serum Ca2+
- LOW/inappropriately normal PTH
- HIGH Phosphate
What ECG finding is associated with hypoparathyroidism?
Prolonged QT interval due to hypocalcaemia
What is the managementfor hypoparathyroidism?
- Oral Calcium (IV in severe)
- Active Vit D analogues (Calcitriol)
What dietary recommendations are made for patients with hypoparathyroidism?
High-calcium, low-phosphorous diet.
What are potential long-term symptoms of hypocalcaemia?
- Extrapyramidal symptoms
- Cataracts
- Calcification of basal ganglia
What additional urine findings may be present in hypoparathyroidism?
LOW urine calcium and elevated Mg2+.
