| Hypoparathyroidism arises either due to failure of | | | | The risk of developing hypoparathyroidism is more in |
| parathyroid glands to secrete parathyroid hormone | | | | patients with low dietary calcium intake and patients |
| (PTH) or due to the failure of its action at tissue level. | | | | with little sunlight exposure. In hypoparathyroidism, the |
| The most common hypoparathyroidism is related to | | | | plasma calcium level is very low and phosphorous |
| surgical excision of the neck. Post operative | | | | concentration is too high. |
| hypoparathyroidism is common after thyroid surgery, | | | | Many of the symptoms of hypoparathyroidism are |
| parathyroid surgery and neck operation. In some | | | | due to low calcium levels. The major signs and |
| cases, hypoparathyroidism is inherited. | | | | symptoms include numbness and tingling in the |
| There are four parathyroid glands situated along the | | | | extremities, numbness and tingling around the mouth, |
| posterior surface of the thyroid. Ionized plasma calcium | | | | muscle spasm, muscle cramping, irritability, hair loss, dry |
| level controls the secretion of parathyroid hormone. | | | | skin, infection from yeasts and cataracts on prolonged |
| Increased levels of plasma calcium will suppress and | | | | low calcium levels. In children there is poor teeth |
| decreased levels will stimulate the secretion. PTH acts | | | | development. |
| in the kidney tubules in the transport of calcium and | | | | Treatment |
| phosphate ions. | | | | Calcium and vitamin D supplements are commonly |
| PTH also plays a major role in bone resorption. PTH, | | | | prescribed. This has to be taken continuously |
| calcitonin, vitamin D and related preparation act to | | | | throughout life. Calcium injection is given to treat |
| maintain plasma calcium levels within the normal range. | | | | muscle spasm (tetany). |