Secondary hyperparathyroidism
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| ICD-10 | E21. |
|---|---|
| ICD-9 | 252.0 |
| DiseasesDB | 6301 |
| MeSH | D006962 |
Secondary hyperparathyroidism refers to the excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) by the parathyroid glands in response to hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels) and associated hypertrophy of the glands.
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[edit] Signs and Symptoms
Bone and joint pain are common, as are limb deformities.
[edit] Diagnosis
Serum calcium is low or, in patients where PTH has compensated for the hypocalcemia, normal. Serum PTH is high.
[edit] Causes
Chronic renal failure is one of the most common causes of secondary hyperparathyroidism. Failing kidneys may not convert enough vitamin D to its active form, or they may not adequately excrete phosphorus. When this happens, insoluble calcium phosphate forms in the body and removes calcium from the circulation. Either process leads to hypocalcemia and hence secondary hyperparathyroidism.
[edit] Treatment
If the underlying cause of the hypocalcemia can be addressed, the hyperparathyroidism will resolve.
[edit] Prognosis
If left untreated, the disease can progress to tertiary hyperparathyroidism, where correction of the underlying cause will not stop excess PTH secretion, i.e. parathyroid gland hypertrophy becomes irreversible.
