Updated: Apr 15, 2009
Hypoparathyroidism describes a condition in which there are low circulating levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) or insensitivity to its action.1 The causes of hypoparathyroidism vary; however, they all share a common feature of hypocalcemia. The presentation of hypoparathyroidism also varies depending on the chronicity of the resultant hypocalcemia. Muscle spasms/tetany, paresthesias, and seizures may occur in an acute onset, whereas chronic hypoparathyroidism may only be evidenced by visual impairment due to cataract formation.
See Hypocalcemia for more information.
Many underlying pathologic etiologies of hypoparathyroidism exist.
PTH functions to maintain plasma calcium levels by withdrawing calcium from bone tissue, glomerular filtrate reabsorption, and indirectly through increased intestinal absorption of calcium by activation of vitamin D-1,25. Insufficient production of PTH is known as true hypoparathyroidism, while decreased action on target tissues iscalled pseudohypoparathyroidism.3 See Pseudohypoparathyroidism.
Primary hypoparathyroidism is rare. Familial cases occur with autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, and X-linked transmission.
Acute hypocalcemia can be treated with good outcome. The mortality rate of hypoparathyroidism depends on the underlying cause.
With the exception of X-linked transmitted syndromes, no sex predilection exists.
The clinical manifestation of hypoparathyroidism is due to hypocalcemia.
Hypoparathyroidism has multiple etiologies:
| Candidiasis | Hypomagnesemia |
| Hypermagnesemia | Hypoparathyroidism |
| Hyperphosphatemia | Renal Failure, Acute |
| Hyperventilation Syndrome | Renal Failure, Chronic and Dialysis
Complications |
| Hypocalcemia |
Increased protein binding of calcium
Pseudohypoparathyroidism
Vitamin D deficiency
Rickets and osteomalacia
Addison disease
Pernicious anemia
Acute, symptomatic hypocalcemia is a medical emergency. The main goal of treatment is to restore serum calcium levels to alleviate symptoms of acute hypocalcemia. In the setting of severe symptoms, calcium therapy should be given even if serum levels are only mildly reduced.
Care to prevent long-term complications from hypocalcemia or hypercalcemia42 should be coordinated with an endocrinologist.
Consult an endocrinologist.
Hypoparathyroidism is treated primarily with vitamin D. Dietary supplementation with Ca2+ may be necessary.
Hypoparathyroidism manifests as hypocalcemia. As a result, calcium supplementation may be indicated.
Can be given IV initially, then maintained as high-calcium diet. Some patients require calcium supplementation. The 10% IV solution provides 100 mg/mL of calcium gluconate that equals 9 mg/mL (0.46 mEq/mL) of elemental calcium. One 10-mL ampule contains 93 mg of elemental calcium.
100-300 mg elemental calcium IV (10-30 mL of 10% calcium gluconate) diluted in 150 mL D5W over 10 min; initial rate of infusion is 0.3-2 mg of elemental calcium/kg/h
2 mg/kg IV of elemental calcium (about 20 mg/kg of calcium gluconate 10%)
May decrease effects of tetracyclines, atenolol, salicylates, iron salts, and fluoroquinolones; when administered IV, antagonizes effects of calcium channel blockers; large intake of dietary fiber may decrease absorption and levels
Renal calculi; hypercalcemia; hypophosphatemia; renal or cardiac disease; digitalis toxicity
B - Fetal risk not confirmed in studies in humans but has been shown in some studies in animals
Caution when administering to digitalized patients or to those with respiratory failure or acidosis or severe hyperphosphatemia; closely monitor IV calcium supplementation because it can cause cardiac dysrhythmias
Vitamin D enhances absorption of calcium and maintains calcium homeostasis.
Stimulates absorption of calcium and phosphate from small intestine and promotes release of calcium from bone into blood.
0.2-2 mg PO qd, in divided doses
0.04-0.08 mg/kg PO qd, in divided doses
Colestipol, mineral oil, and cholestyramine may decrease absorption from small intestine; thiazide diuretics may increase effects of vitamin D; corticosteroids may decrease the effectiveness of vitamin D analogs; vitamin D requirements are increased by phenytoin and other hydantoin anticonvulsants, sucralfate, barbiturates, and primidone; concurrent use of magnesium-containing antacids may lead to hypermagnesemia
Documented hypersensitivity; hypercalcemia or malabsorption syndrome; patients receiving digitalis glycosides
C - Fetal risk revealed in studies in animals but not established or not studied in humans; may use if benefits outweigh risk to fetus
Caution in impaired renal function, renal stones, heart disease, or arteriosclerosis
Complications of hypoparathyroidism may include the following:
Shoback D. Clinical practice. Hypoparathyroidism. N Engl J Med. Jul 24 2008;359(4):391-403. [Medline].
Chandran M, Deftos LJ, Stuenkel CA, Haghighi P, Orloff LA. Thymic parathyroid carcinoma and postoperative hungry bone syndrome. Endocr Pract. Mar-Apr 2003;9(2):152-6. [Medline].
Maeda SS, Fortes EM, Oliveira UM, Borba VC, Lazaretti-Castro M. Hypoparathyroidism and pseudohypoparathyroidism. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metabol. Aug 2006;50(4):664-73. [Medline].
Pieringer H, Hatzl-Griesenhofer M, Shebl O, Wiesinger-Eidenberger G, Maschek W, Biesenbach G. Hypocalcemic tetany in the newborn as a manifestation of unrecognized maternal primary hyperparathyroidism. Wien Klin Wochenschr. 2007;119(3-4):129-31. [Medline].
Poomthavorn P, Ongphiphadhanakul B, Mahachoklertwattana P. Transient neonatal hypoparathyroidism in two siblings unmasking maternal normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism. Eur J Pediatr. Apr 2008;167(4):431-4. [Medline].
Ip P. Neonatal convulsion revealing maternal hyperparathyroidism: an unusual case of late neonatal hypoparathyroidism. Arch Gynecol Obstet. Aug 2003;268(3):227-9. [Medline].
Graber ML. Magnesium deficiency: pathophysiologic and clinical overview. Am J Kidney Dis. Jun 1995;25(6):973. [Medline].
Kitsiou-Tzeli S, Kolialexi A, Mavrou A. Endocrine manifestations in DiGeorge and other microdeletion syndromes related to 22q11.2. Hormones (Athens). Oct-Dec 2005;4(4):200-9. [Medline].
Courtens W, Wuyts W, Poot M, Szuhai K, Wauters J, Reyniers E, et al. Hypoparathyroidism-retardation-dysmorphism syndrome in a girl: A new variant not caused by a TBCE mutation--clinical report and review. Am J Med Genet A. Mar 15 2006;140(6):611-7. [Medline].
Carpenter TO, Carnes DL Jr, Anast CS. Hypoparathyroidism in Wilson's disease. N Engl J Med. Oct 13 1983;309(15):873-7. [Medline].
Brinkane A, Peschard S, Leroy-Terquem E, Bergheul S, Raheriarisoa H, Hubert N, et al. [Rare association of hypoparathyroidism and mediastinal-pulmonary sarcoidosis]. Ann Med Interne (Paris). Feb 2001;152(1):63-4. [Medline].
Kashyap AS, Padmaprakash KV, Kashyap S, Anand KP. Acute laryngeal spasm. Emerg Med J. Jan 2007;24(1):66. [Medline].
Langevitz P, Fichman B, Cabili S. Recurrent laryngospasm: a neglected symptom of hypoparathyroidism. South Med J. Nov 1985;78(11):1400. [Medline].
Lehmann G, Deisenhofer I, Ndrepepa G, Schmitt C. ECG changes in a 25-year-old woman with hypocalcemia due to hypoparathyroidism. Hypocalcemia mimicking acute myocardial infarction. Chest. Jul 2000;118(1):260-2. [Medline].
Ratanaanekchai T, Art-smart T, Vatanasapt P. Dysphagia after total laryngectomy resulting from hypocalcemia: case report. J Med Assoc Thai. Jun 2004;87(6):722-4. [Medline].
Fuleihan Gel-H, Rubeiz N. Dermatologic manifestations of parathyroid-related disorders. Clin Dermatol. Jul-Aug 2006;24(4):281-8. [Medline].
Kazmi AS, Wall BM. Reversible congestive heart failure related to profound hypocalcemia secondary to hypoparathyroidism. Am J Med Sci. Apr 2007;333(4):226-9. [Medline].
Gupta RP, Krishnan RA, Kumar S, Beniwal S, Devaraja R, Kochar SK. A rare cause of heart failure--primary hypoparathyroidism. J Assoc Physicians India. Jul 2007;55:522-4. [Medline].
Walton DM, Thomas DC, Aly HZ, Short BL. Morbid hypocalcemia associated with phosphate enema in a six-week-old infant. Pediatrics. Sep 2000;106(3):E37. [Medline].
Ulozas E, Chebrolu SB, Shanaah A, Daoud TM, Leehey DJ, Ing TS. Symptomatic hypocalcemia due to the inadvertent use of a calcium-free hemodialysate. Artif Organs. Feb 2004;28(2):229-31. [Medline].
Rajendram R, Deane JA, Barnes M, Swift PG, Adamson K, Pearce S, et al. Rapid onset childhood cataracts leading to the diagnosis of autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy. Am J Ophthalmol. Nov 2003;136(5):951-2. [Medline].
Goswami R, Mohapatra T, Gupta N, Rani R, Tomar N, Dikshit A, et al. Parathyroid hormone gene polymorphism and sporadic idiopathic hypoparathyroidism. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Oct 2004;89(10):4840-5. [Medline].
Goswami R, Brown EM, Kochupillai N, Gupta N, Rani R, Kifor O, et al. Prevalence of calcium sensing receptor autoantibodies in patients with sporadic idiopathic hypoparathyroidism. Eur J Endocrinol. Jan 2004;150(1):9-18. [Medline].
D'Souza-Li L. The calcium-sensing receptor and related diseases. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metabol. Aug 2006;50(4):628-39. [Medline].
Mune T, Yasuda K, Ishii M, Matsunaga T, Miura K. Tetany due to hypomagnesemia induced by cisplatin and doxorubicin treatment for synovial sarcoma. Intern Med. May 1993;32(5):434-7. [Medline].
Al-Elq AH, Al-Saeed HH. Endocrinopathies in patients with thalassemias. Saudi Med J. Oct 2004;25(10):1347-51. [Medline].
Reyes HM, Wright JK, Rosenfield RL. Prevention of hypocalcemia in children due to parathyroid infarction after thyroidectomy. Surg Gynecol Obstet. Jan 1979;148(1):76-8. [Medline].
Navarro JF, Mora C, Jimenez A, Torres A, Macia M, Garcia J. Relationship between serum magnesium and parathyroid hormone levels in hemodialysis patients. Am J Kidney Dis. Jul 1999;34(1):43-8. [Medline].
Cann CE, Prussin SG, Gordan GS. Aluminum uptake by the parathyroid glands. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Oct 1979;49(4):543-5. [Medline].
Keating MJ, Sethi MR, Bodey GP, Samaan NA. Hypocalcemia with hypoparathyroidism and renal tubular dysfunction associated with aminoglycoside therapy. Cancer. Apr 1977;39(4):1410-4. [Medline].
Fiore CE, Lunetta M, Kanis JA. Long-term effects of histamine H2-receptor antagonists on serum parathyroid hormone in chronic renal failure. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). Sep 1985;23(3):277-82. [Medline].
Kashyap AS, Kashyap S. Hypoparathyroidism unmasked by alendronate. Postgrad Med J. Jul 2000;76(897):417-8. [Medline].
Francois M, Levy-Bohbot N, Caron J, Durlach V. [Chronic use of proton-pump inhibitors associated with giardiasis: A rare cause of hypomagnesemic hypoparathyroidism?]. Ann Endocrinol (Paris). Nov 2008;69(5):446-8. [Medline].
Hermann M, Ott J, Promberger R, Kober F, Karik M, Freissmuth M. Kinetics of serum parathyroid hormone during and after thyroid surgery. Br J Surg. Dec 2008;95(12):1480-7. [Medline].
Laway BA, Goswami R, Singh N, Gupta N, Seith A. Pattern of bone mineral density in patients with sporadic idiopathic hypoparathyroidism. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). Apr 2006;64(4):405-9. [Medline].
Klingberg G, Dietz W, Oskarsdottir S, Odelius H, Gelander L, Noren JG. Morphological appearance and chemical composition of enamel in primary teeth from patients with 22q11 deletion syndrome. Eur J Oral Sci. Aug 2005;113(4):303-11. [Medline].
Okazaki T, Takuwa Y, Yamamoto M, Matsumoto T, Igarashi T, Kurokawa T, et al. Ossification of the paravertebral ligaments: a frequent complication of hypoparathyroidism. Metabolism. Aug 1984;33(8):710-3. [Medline].
Abe S, Tojo K, Ichida K, Shigematsu T, Hasegawa T, Morita M, et al. A rare case of idiopathic hypoparathyroidism with varied neurological manifestations. Intern Med. Feb 1996;35(2):129-34. [Medline].
Chow KS, Lu DN. [Primary hypoparathyroidism with basal ganglia calcification: report of a case]. Zhonghua Min Guo Xiao Er Ke Yi Xue Hui Za Zhi. Mar-Apr 1989;30(2):129-33. [Medline].
Mangat JS, Till J, Bridges N. Hypocalcaemia mimicking long QT syndrome: case report. Eur J Pediatr. Feb 2008;167(2):233-5. [Medline].
Hayashida CY, Toledo SP, Barros MT, Ezabella MC, Laudanna AA. [Polyglandular autoimmune type I syndrome with hypoparathyroidism, chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis and intestinal malabsorption]. Rev Hosp Clin Fac Med Sao Paulo. Jan-Feb 1990;45(1):24-8. [Medline].
Lam E J, Maragano L P, Lepez Q B, Vasquez N L. [Hypocalcemic cardiomyopathy secondary to hypoparathyroidism after a thyroidectomy: Report of one case.]. Rev Med Chil. Mar 2007;135(3):359-64. Epub 2007 Apr 26. [Medline].
Hershkovitz E, Rozin I, Limony Y, Golan H, Hadad N, Gorodischer R, et al. Hypoparathyroidism, retardation, and dysmorphism syndrome: impaired early growth and increased susceptibility to severe infections due to hyposplenism and impaired polymorphonuclear cell functions. Pediatr Res. Oct 2007;62(4):505-9. [Medline].
Tambyah PA, Ong BK, Lee KO. Reversible parkinsonism and asymptomatic hypocalcemia with basal ganglia calcification from hypoparathyroidism 26 years after thyroid surgery. Am J Med. Apr 1993;94(4):444-5. [Medline].
Harzy T, Benbouazza K, Amine B, Rahmouni R, Guedira N, Hajjaj-Hassouni N. Idiopathic hypoparathyroidism and adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder in two first-degree relatives. Joint Bone Spine. May 2004;71(3):234-6. [Medline].
hypoparathyroidism, parathyroid hormone, PTH, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, pseudohypoparathyroidism, parathyroid glands, parathyroid aplasia, DiGeorge syndrome, congenital hypoparathyroidism, parathyroid adenoma, sarcoidosis, Wilson disease, hemochromatosis, metastatic carcinoma, hypermagnesemia, autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1, Kenny syndrome, drug-induced hypoparathyroidism, suppression of parathyroid gland, Sanjat-Sakati syndrome, HDR syndrome, Kenny-Caffey syndrome, Pearson's marrow-pancreas syndrome, Pearson marrow-pancreas syndrome
David J Wallace, MD, MPH, Critical Care Medicine Fellow, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
David J Wallace, MD, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American College of Emergency Physicians, American Medical Association, Emergency Medicine Residents Association, Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, and Society of Critical Care Medicine
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Agnieszka Gliwa, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine, Brooklyn; Attending Physician and Endocrinologist, Staten Island University Hospital
Agnieszka Gliwa, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine, American Medical Association, and Endocrine Society
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Erik D Schraga, MD, Consulting Staff, Department of Emergency Medicine, Mills-Peninsula Emergency Medical Associates; Consulting Staff, Permanente Medical Group, Kaiser Permanente, Santa Clara Medical Center
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine
Disclosure: eMedicine Salary Employment
Howard A Bessen, MD, Professor of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, UCLA School of Medicine; Program Director, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
Howard A Bessen, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Emergency Physicians
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
John D Halamka, MD, MS, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Chief Information Officer, CareGroup Healthcare System and Harvard Medical School; Attending Physician, Division of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
John D Halamka, MD, MS is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Emergency Physicians, American Medical Informatics Association, Phi Beta Kappa, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Erik D Schraga, MD, Consulting Staff, Department of Emergency Medicine, Mills-Peninsula Emergency Medical Associates; Consulting Staff, Permanente Medical Group, Kaiser Permanente, Santa Clara Medical Center
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.