Secondary hyperparathyroidism (patient information): Difference between revisions
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==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
:*Blood tests: Patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism may indicate signs, such as elevated levels of [[parathyroid hormone]] (PTH), a low serum [[calcium]], and an abnormal serum phosphorus. Blood tests can also check renal functions of the patients. | :*Blood tests: Patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism may indicate signs, such as elevated levels of [[parathyroid hormone]] (PTH), a low serum [[calcium]], and an abnormal serum phosphorus. Blood tests can also check renal functions of the patients. | ||
:*Bone densitometry: The doctor may arrange a dual x-ray absorptiometry to determine bone density and to reveal bone loss, [[fracture]]s, or bone softening. | :*[[Bone densitometry]]: The doctor may arrange a dual x-ray absorptiometry to determine bone density and to reveal bone loss, [[fracture]]s, or bone softening. | ||
:*Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as [[x-ray]]s, [[ultrasound]], [[CT]] or [[MRI]] scans of the kidneys and nuclear imaging may show signs of calcium deposits or a blockage, certain type of [[cancer]]. | :*Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as [[x-ray]]s, [[ultrasound]], [[CT]] or [[MRI]] scans of the kidneys and nuclear imaging may show signs of calcium deposits or a blockage, certain type of [[cancer]]. | ||
Revision as of 17:59, 20 September 2012
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| Secondary hyperparathyroidism | |
 | |
|---|---|
| Thyroid and parathyroid. | |
| ICD-10 | E21.1 |
| ICD-9 | 252.02, 588.81 |
| DiseasesDB | 6301 |
| MeSH | D006962 |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Jinhui Wu, M.Dd
Overview
Secondary hyperparathyroidism is an endocrine disorder that the parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone (PTH). The most important cause of secondary hyperparathyroidism is chronic renal failure. Other causes include rickets, malnutrition or malabsorption, and certain types of cancer. Signs and symptoms include symptoms of diseases above, such as weakness, poor growth, bowed limbs and swollen joints in children, bone pain, osteomalacia, osteoporosis, fractures, even symptoms of certain cancer. Blood tests of parathyroid hormone and biochemistry, and imaging tests may help the diagnosis of secondary hyperparathyroidism. Treatments and prognosis of secondary hyperparathyroidism depend on the underlying cause.
What are the symptoms of secondary hyperparathyroidism?
Symptoms of secondary hyperparathyroidism include symptoms of chronic renal failure, malabsorption, rickets and underlying cancer. General symptoms are the following:
- Weakness
- Bone deformities
- Poor growth, bowed limbs and swollen joints in children
- Bone pain
- Osteomalacia, osteoporosis
- Fractures
Who is at highest risk?
- Kidney disease, chronic renal failure
- Rickets
- Malnutrition, malabsorption, vitamin D deficiency
- Certain types of cancer
What causes Secondary hyperparathyroidism?
Diagnosis
- Blood tests: Patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism may indicate signs, such as elevated levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), a low serum calcium, and an abnormal serum phosphorus. Blood tests can also check renal functions of the patients.
- Bone densitometry: The doctor may arrange a dual x-ray absorptiometry to determine bone density and to reveal bone loss, fractures, or bone softening.
- Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as x-rays, ultrasound, CT or MRI scans of the kidneys and nuclear imaging may show signs of calcium deposits or a blockage, certain type of cancer.
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of secondary hyperparathyroidism , particularly if you are being treated for kidney disease. If you suffer either of the following symptoms, seeking urgent medical care as soon as possible:
Treatment options
Correcting the calcium level and the underlying problem can bring the PTH levels back to normal.
Treatment may involve:
- A special form of vitamin D (requires a doctor's prescription) if you have low vitamin D levels
- Surgery for cancer
Patients with chronic kidney failure are usually given calcium and vitamin D, and are told to avoid phosphate in their diet. A medication called cinacalcet (Sensipar) may also be recommended. Dialysis, a kidney transplant, or parathyroid surgery may be needed.
Diseases with similar symptoms
- Rickets
- Gout
- Ewing's Sarcoma
- Chondroblastoma
- Bone metastases
Where to find medical care for secondary hyperparathyroidism?
Directions to Hospitals Treating secondary hyperparathyroidism
Prevention of secondary hyperparathyroidism
Early diagnosis and treatment of rickets or vitamin D deficiency may prevent this condition. Proper treatment of kidney failure helps reduce symptoms of secondary hyperparathyroidism.
What to expect (Outook/Prognosis)?
The prognosis of secondary hyperparathyroidism depends on the underlying cause.
Possible complications
Persons with kidney problems may continue to produce too much parathyroid hormone even when their calcium level is back to normal. This is called "tertiary hyperthyroidism." Parathyroid surgery may be needed.
Other complications include:
- Increased risk of broken bones
- Renal osteodystrophy (a condition that causes bone pain, weakness, and fractures)