Hypoparathyroidism: Prevention And Complications
Hypoparathyroidism is an endocrine disease that causes an imbalance of the thyroid gland. This disorder causes the thyroid to produce very little PTH (parathyroid hormone).
As a result, calcium levels drop, while phosphorus levels rise well above the values ​​considered normal. Hypoparathyroidism can occur on its own or be the result of another disease.
Unlike other diseases associated with abnormal thyroid function, hypoparathyroidism is considered a rare disease.
Although it does not occur as often as other thyroid pathologies, the severity of its complications makes a multi-pronged approach essential.
Causes of hypoparathyroidism
The study conducted in Colombia Hypoparathyroidism: Basis for the approach and appropriate treatment indicates some underlying causes of this endocrine disease. The most common, with an incidence equal to 75% of cases, is its appearance following surgery. Despite this, there are other possible causes:
- Autoimmune : This could be due to immunotherapy aimed at treating a disease, such as cancer.
- Functional: that is caused by a high presence or, conversely, by a low presence of magnesium in the blood.
- Destruction due to radiation following the treatment of hyperthyroidism, which consists in the application of radioactive iodine.
- Metastasis: reproduction of cancer cells and, specifically, breast cancer.
In addition to these causes, hypoparathyroidism can be associated with various syndromes (DiGeorge syndrome, HDR syndrome, etc.) or diseases (mitochondrial or unknown gene).
We cannot forget, however, the cases in which the disease manifests itself due to reasons of its own (such as mutations in PTH or CaSR).
Complications
After looking at the possible causes of hypoparathyroidism, it is time to discuss any complications.
We can start by citing those considered less serious. For example, very dry, peeling skin, muscle cramps and tingling of the limbs.
In some cases, women experience more pain than usual, as well as brittle nails, dry or breaking hair, or frequent abdominal pain. Yet these symptoms can become complicated to the point of causing:
- Convulsions.
- Cataract.
- Abnormal accumulations of calcium in the soft tissues.
- Decreased state of consciousness.
According to what has been demonstrated in various scientific publications on the association between hypoparathyroidism and dementia, in some cases a picture of dementia can occur.
However, according to various studies and scientific tests, in the absence of hypocalcemia this situation can be resolved with a vitamin D treatment. It is therefore important to diagnose this disease as soon as possible.
Prevention
As for the prevention of hypoparathyroidism, at present nothing helps us to prevent or limit the chances of contracting this pathology. However, some steps can be taken to address the problem before it gets worse.
For example, if after thyroid or neck surgery we start to feel tingling in the limbs or a more serious symptom described in this article, we should tell your doctor right away. This will allow to start as soon as possible a treatment capable of slowing the course of hypoparathyroidism, avoiding serious complications.
It is important to pay attention to any potentially alarming symptoms. The consequences of hypoparathyroidism arise gradually and become more and more serious if no action is taken.
If we have undergone a neck or thyroid surgery, as already mentioned, any of the symptoms mentioned are a valid reason to go to the doctor as soon as possible.
Reacting promptly will make it possible to make a correct diagnosis able to establish whether or not you suffer from hypoparathyroidism. Recall that this pathology causes the appearance of cataracts, accumulations of calcium in soft tissues, including the brain, with consequent convulsions or loss of consciousness.
In light of this, it is essential to prevent hypoparathyroidism. Has a loved one been diagnosed with this disorder?
