THYROIDISM
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PARATHYROID

parathyroid glands, which are four pea-sized glands that lie behind the thyroid gland. If the blood calcium level is too low, the parathyroid glands release more PTH. This causes the bones to release more calcium into the blood and reduces the amount of calcium released by the kidneys into the urine

A parathyroid hormone (PTH) blood test measures the level of parathyroid hormone in the blood. This test is used to help identify hyperparathyroidism or to find the cause of abnormal calcium levels. PTH controls calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood.

PTH levels that are too high or too low can cause problems with the kidneys and bones and cause changes in calcium and vitamin D levels.

Tests for calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood may be done at the same time as a PTH test.

Why It Is Done?
A test for parathyroid hormone (PTH) is done to:

Help identify hyperparathyroidism.
Find the cause of an abnormal blood calcium level.
Check to see whether a problem with the parathyroid glands is causing the abnormal calcium level.
Watch for problems in people who have chronic kidney disease.

DISORDERS OF PARATHYROIDISM:

HYPERPARATHYROIDISM

It is of two types:

Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Cause

Due to a parathyroid tumor (adenoma) which secretes the hormone without proper regulation

Symptoms

Chronic elevations of blood calcium concentration (hypercalcemia), kidney stones and decalcification of bone.

 

Secondary Hperparathyroidism

Cause:

  1. Inadequate nutrition - for example, diets that are deficient in calcium or vitamin D, or which contain excessive phosphorus (e.g. all meat diets for carnivores).
  2. Kidney disease - if the kidneys are unable to reabsorb calcium, blood calcium levels will fall, stimulating continual secretion of parathyroid hormone to maintain normal calcium levels in blood.

Symptoms:

  1. Decalcification of bone, leading to pathologic fractures or "rubber bones".
  2. Chronic elevations of blood calcium concentration (hypercalcemia),
  3. Kidney stones and decalcification of bone.

 

 

HYPOPARATHYROIDISM 

Cause:

Surgical removal of the parathyroid glands and disease processes that lead to destruction of parathyroid glands.

Symptoms:

  1. Decreased concentrations of calcium in blood
  2. Increased concentrations of phosphorus in blood.