Hypoparathyroidism

What is hypoparathyroidism?

What are the parathyroid glands?

The four parathyroid glands are small, pea-sized glands, located in the neck just behind the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland. Two parathyroid glands lie behind each wing of the thyroid gland.

The parathyroid glands release a chemical (hormone) called parathyroid hormone, often known as PTH. This hormone helps to control calcium and phosphate levels in the body.

Hypoparathyroidism occurs when either:

• The parathyroid glands do not produce enough parathyroid hormone, or
• The parathyroid hormone that is released does not work properly.

This low level of active parathyroid hormone causes the calcium level in the blood to fall and the phosphate level to rise.

Hypoparathyroidism symptoms

People experience the different symptoms of hypoparathyroidism in different ways. The symptoms are largely due to the effects of low levels of calcium in the blood.

Possible symptoms that may occur include:

• Muscle spasms and pains.
• Tummy (abdominal) pains.
• Tingling, vibrating, burning or numbness of the fingers, toes or face.
• Twitching of the muscles of the face.
• Carpopedal spasm (contraction, or tightening, of the muscles of the hands and feet).
• Fits (seizures).
• Fainting.
• Confusion.
• Memory problems.
• Tiredness.
• Eyesight problems.
• Headaches.
• Brittle nails.
• Dry skin and hair.
• Painful menstrual periods.

Mild symptoms usually develop slowly and may not need any treatment. Severe symptoms may come on rapidly and need urgent treatment. This may be with calcium given directly into the vein via a drip (intravenously).

Most of the symptoms above can be caused by a large number of other conditions or have no underlying cause at all but blood tests can assess whether they are due to hypoparathyroidism.

Is hypoparathyroidism the same as hypothyroidism?

No. Hypoparathyroidism is caused by the parathyroid glands being underactive. Hypothyroidism is caused by the thyroid glands being underactive. Sometimes the parathyroid glands can be damaged during surgery to the thyroid glands - and this can cause hypoparathyroidism as well as hypothyroidism - but they are usually separate conditions.

Why does the body need calcium and phosphorus?

Calcium and phosphate combine to make calcium phosphate in the body. Calcium phosphate gives hardness and strength to bones and teeth. Calcium and phosphate are also needed to help blood to clot after an injury. They are also needed for muscles and nerves to work properly.

How common is hypoparathyroidism?

Hypoparathyroidism is rare. Men and women are equally likely to develop hypoparathyroidism The age that someone is likely to develop hypoparathyroidism depends on the underlying cause.

Hypoparathyroidism causes

Hypoparathyroidism can be:

• Something that develops in childhood or adult life (acquired).
• Short-lived (transient).
• Something that someone is born with (congenital).
• Passed on through the genes from family members (inherited).

Acquired hypoparathyroidism

The commonest cause of acquired hypoparathyroidism is after surgery to the neck. For example, during surgery on the thyroid gland, the parathyroid glands in the neck may be accidentally damaged or need to be removed. Sometimes the parathyroid glands are removed because of potential cancer, or as a treatment for overactive parathyroid glands.

Radiotherapy treatment for a cancer in the neck or the chest can damage the parathyroid glands and make them underactive. Certain medicines used in the treatment of cancers can do the same.

The parathyroid glands can also become replaced and destroyed by cancer cells, spreading from cancer elsewhere in the body. This can cause hypoparathyroidism.

Transient hypoparathyroidism

This occurs most commonly in babies who are born too early (prematurely). It can also occur in otherwise healthy babies born at the normal time. Parathyroid hormone is in the glands but it isn't released after the baby is born as it would normally be. It is eventually released and all returns to normal.

Transient hypoparathyroidism is more likely to affect a baby if the mother has diabetes, or the mother has overactive parathyroid glands.

Congenital hypoparathyroidism

DiGeorge's syndrome is a congenital condition that some babies are born with. The parathyroid glands do not develop properly while the baby is growing in the womb. People with this syndrome have hypoparathyroidism. In addition, their immune system does not work properly and they may have heart problems and problems with the development of the roof of their mouth (a cleft palate).

Congenital hypoparathyroidism can also be associated with other syndromes. One example is hypoparathyroidism that occurs with deafness and problems with kidney development.

Autoimmune hypoparathyroidism

Hypoparathyroidism may be caused by an inherited problem caused by certain proteins (antibodies) attacking the parathyroid gland. This is called an autoimmune illness.

Normally, our body makes antibodies to fight infections - for example, when we catch a cold or have a sore throat. These antibodies help to kill the cells of the bacteria, viruses or other germs causing the infection. In autoimmune diseases the body makes similar antibodies (auto-antibodies) that attack its normal cells because they perceive them as a threat.

In autoimmune hypoparathyroidism, these auto-antibodies attack the cells of the parathyroid glands. Autoimmune hypoparathyroidism can exist alone, or as part of a syndrome including diabetes and thyroid disease.

Inherited hypoparathyroidism can also be caused by inherited problems with the gene that is needed for the body to make parathyroid hormone. This means that the gene does not function properly which leads to a lack of parathyroid hormone.

Pseudohypoparathyroidism

This is a rare disorder that is inherited. Parathyroid hormone is present in the body but the body is unable to respond to it normally. There is a low calcium level in the blood. Affected people tend to be short and have shortened bones in their feet and hands. They may also have diabetes and an underactive thyroid gland.

Pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism

This occurs when someone has the features of pseudohypoparathyroidism, as described above, but they have normal calcium and phosphate levels in the blood.

How is hypoparathyroidism diagnosed?

Physical examination

There is no specific examination to look for hypoparathyroidism. Examination can look for the effects of a very low calcium. However blood tests are much more useful for diagnosing the condition.

Blood tests

Blood tests can confirm hypoparathyroidism. In hypoparathyroidism, the blood calcium level is low, the blood phosphate level is high and the parathyroid hormone level is low.

If a doctor suspects that the hypoparathyroidism is caused by an autoimmune process, they may suggest some other blood tests, for example, tests to assess thyroid function or diabetes.

Other possible investigations

Referral to an endocrinologist is usually offered. They may suggest some other tests to look for the cause of the hypoparathyroidism. For example:

• Hand X-rays - to look for the shortened bones seen in pseudohypoparathyroidism.
• An ultrasound scan of the heart (echocardiogram) - to look for heart abnormalities associated with DiGeorge's syndrome.
• Genetic studies - special blood tests can be performed if an endocrinologist suspects an inherited cause for the hypoparathyroidism.

Hypoparathyroidism treatment

Calcium and vitamin D supplements

Hypoparathyroidism is treated with calcium and vitamin D supplements taken by mouth. Vitamin D supplements are needed because vitamin D also helps to regulate calcium levels. It stimulates the release of calcium from bone and helps calcium to be absorbed from the gut and the kidneys. Calcium carbonate is the commonest form of calcium supplement that is used.

Regular blood tests are needed to ensure that the calcium and vitamin D dosage is correct. Closer monitoring is needed during pregnancy.

Treatment is usually lifelong. These are not dietary supplements that can be bought over the counter, but stronger medication requiring careful monitoring.

Intravenous calcium

Severe symptoms may result in calcium being needed to be given directly into the vein via a drip (intravenously).

Diet

A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D is recommended.

Other treatments

Man-made (synthetic) parathyroid hormone has been produced. It is an injectable treatment and, in the UK, is only used for some patients with osteoporosis and not for hypoparathyroidism. In animal studies, some animals developed bone tumours so more studies are required before it is used more widely.

What are the aims of treatment?

The aims of treatment are to ensure that there is an adequate level of calcium in the bloodstream. This should mean no symptoms associated with low calcium levels.

Hypoparathyroidism prognosis

If hypoparathyroidism is adequately treated with calcium and vitamin D, the outlook (prognosis) is good. However, daily medication for life is required. Regular blood tests are needed to ensure blood levels are correct and adjust the medication dose if needed.

Hypoparathyroidism complications

Any complications that may arise are largely due to the low levels of calcium in the body. Complications can include:

• Kidney stones.
• Cataracts.
• Disturbance of the normal electrical activity of the heart. This can lead to irregularities in the heart rhythm which can in turn lead to collapse.
• Stunted growth, teeth problems and problems with mental development can occur if low calcium levels are not treated in childhood.

Can hypoparathyroidism be prevented?

During thyroid or neck surgery, the surgeon must identify the parathyroid glands and avoid damaging them if possible. Anybody who is undergoing thyroid or neck surgery, radiotherapy to the neck or the chest, or chemotherapy (a treatment for cancer) should be monitored for symptoms and signs of low calcium levels.