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Hypoparathyroidism

Introduction to Hypoparathyroidism

Aliya Khan, MD, FRCPC, FACP, FACE 
Reviewed on April 30, 2025
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Definition

Hypoparathyroidism (hypoPT) is a rare disorder characterized by decreased or absent secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH), leading to multiple metabolic disruptions. The most common effects of reduced PTH production include decreased levels of serum calcium (hypocalcemia) and increased levels of serum phosphates (hyperphosphatemia). Additionally, low PTH can lead to excess calcium in urine (hypercalciuria) and it can decrease the levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. The leading cause of hypoPT is anterior neck surgery (postsurgical hypoPT), followed by genetic disorders, autoimmune diseases, infiltrative diseases, mineral deposition, or disorders related to abnormalities in serum levels of magnesium. Postsurgical hypoPT is usually acute (or transient), resolving after six months to a year after the surgery. If the symptoms are twelve months or longer following surgery , the disease is characterized as chronic (which is essentially permanent, although a small proportion of…

Definition

Hypoparathyroidism (hypoPT) is a rare disorder characterized by decreased or absent secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH), leading to multiple metabolic disruptions. The most common effects of reduced PTH production include decreased levels of serum calcium (hypocalcemia) and increased levels of serum phosphates (hyperphosphatemia). Additionally, low PTH can lead to excess calcium in urine (hypercalciuria) and it can decrease the levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. The leading cause of hypoPT is anterior neck surgery (postsurgical hypoPT), followed by genetic disorders, autoimmune diseases, infiltrative diseases, mineral deposition, or disorders related to abnormalities in serum levels of magnesium. Postsurgical hypoPT is usually acute (or transient), resolving after six months to a year after the surgery. If the symptoms are twelve months or longer following surgery , the disease is characterized as chronic (which is essentially permanent, although a small proportion of patients with chronic hypoPT can still recover). Chronic hypoPT can lead to multiple complications, affecting bone, kidney and neuromuscular function.

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