Condition Lookup
Sub-Category:
Hyperparathyroidism
Number of Conditions: 3
Primary Hyperparathyroidism (e.g., Parathyroid Adenoma)
Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology
Category: Parathyroid Disorders
Sub-category: Hyperparathyroidism
Symptoms:
fatigue; muscle weakness; bone pain; nausea; kidney stones; constipation; polyuria; depression; confusion
Root Cause:
Overproduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH) caused by a benign tumor (adenoma) in one or more parathyroid glands, leading to elevated calcium levels.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests (elevated calcium and PTH levels), 24-hour urine calcium test, imaging studies like ultrasound or Sestamibi scan for adenoma localization.
Treatment:
Surgical removal of the adenoma (parathyroidectomy); non-surgical management includes hydration and medications to control calcium levels.
Medications:
Calcimimetics (e.g., cinacalcet , which decreases PTH secretion), bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate , to reduce bone resorption), and vitamin D supplements if indicated.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1–3 per 1,000 individuals, with a higher prevalence in postmenopausal women.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Female sex, age over 50, genetic predisposition, prolonged lithium or radiation exposure.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent prognosis with surgery; most symptoms resolve after treatment, though bone density recovery may take time.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Osteoporosis, kidney stones, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular issues due to hypercalcemia.
Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology
Category: Parathyroid Disorders
Sub-category: Hyperparathyroidism
Symptoms:
bone pain; weakness; pruritus (itching); muscle cramps; fatigue
Root Cause:
Overproduction of PTH due to chronic hypocalcemia, often caused by vitamin D deficiency or chronic kidney disease (CKD), leading to disrupted calcium-phosphate balance.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests (elevated PTH, low or normal calcium, high phosphate), imaging studies to assess bone density, and evaluation of kidney function.
Treatment:
Addressing the underlying cause (e.g., vitamin D supplementation, phosphate binders), dietary phosphate restriction, or use of calcimimetics. Dialysis or kidney transplant may be necessary for CKD.
Medications:
Activated vitamin D analogs (e.g., calcitriol , paricalcitol ), phosphate binders (e.g., sevelamer , lanthanum carbonate), and calcimimetics (e.g., cinacalcet ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in patients with CKD, affecting up to 90% of individuals with advanced kidney disease.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Chronic kidney disease, vitamin D deficiency, malabsorption syndromes, inadequate dietary calcium intake.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; depends on the underlying cause and management. Progression of CKD can worsen outcomes if not adequately addressed.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Renal osteodystrophy, vascular calcifications, fractures, cardiovascular disease.
Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism
Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology
Category: Parathyroid Disorders
Sub-category: Hyperparathyroidism
Symptoms:
persistent hypercalcemia; bone pain; fractures; kidney stones; muscle weakness; fatigue
Root Cause:
Autonomous overproduction of PTH due to prolonged secondary hyperparathyroidism, usually in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Elevated PTH and calcium levels despite resolution of hypocalcemia; imaging studies to assess parathyroid gland hyperplasia.
Treatment:
Parathyroidectomy is often required. Non-surgical management includes medications to manage calcium and phosphate levels.
Medications:
Calcimimetics (e.g., cinacalcet to lower PTH levels), bisphosphonates (to prevent bone loss), and vitamin D analogs (e.g., calcitriol ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in 15–20% of patients with long-standing secondary hyperparathyroidism, typically after years of dialysis.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Long-standing secondary hyperparathyroidism, end-stage renal disease, and inadequate treatment of calcium-phosphate imbalances.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with appropriate surgical or medical management; untreated cases can lead to significant morbidity.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe hypercalcemia, bone deformities, cardiovascular calcifications, and organ dysfunction.