Hypoparathyroidism is an endocrine disease that is accompanied by a decrease in the functional capacity of the parathyroid glands, which ensure normal calcium-phosphorus metabolism in the body. Hypoparathyroidism belongs to the rarest endocrine pathologies. One of the first manifestations of hypoparathyroidism is a seizure syndrome, which can be mistaken for epilepsy.
Causes of hypoparathyroidism
Hypoparathyroidism can occur:
- when several perithyroid glands are removed completely or partially during thyroidectomy or parathyroidectomy;
- in hereditary and autoimmune diseases.
Surgical intervention on the neck organs is the most common cause of hypoparathyroidism, accounting for about 75% of all cases of this disease.
This form of the disease is more common among women, which is associated with more frequent thyroid pathology and, consequently, thyroidectomy.
Clinical manifestations
Hypoparathyroidism is characterized by a specific clinical picture, manifested by the following signs:
- convulsive seizures of various localizations;
- convulsive muscle contractility manifested in the larynx or bronchi;
- impairment of air passage with shortness of breath or a feeling of suffocation;
- sensation of numbness, tingling, or “crawling goosebumps” in the neck area;
- trouble swallowing;
- bouts of vomiting;
- stool disturbances;
- intestinal cramps;
- urinary retention;
- tingling in the upper extremities;
- feeling of cold in the upper or lower extremities;
- feeling of heat or chills, dizziness and other autonomic manifestations;
- palpitations and unpleasant sensations in the heart area;
- mental disorders manifested by memory impairment, nervousness, sleep disorders, depression.
The disease proceeds with trophic tissue disorders, which may be accompanied by nonspecific manifestations: blurred eye lens, brittle and brittle teeth, osteoporosis, dry and flaky skin, impaired hair growth, excessive hair loss and early graying.
In most patients, the pathological condition is accompanied by autonomic disorders – frequent fainting, ringing and noise in the ears, deterioration of twilight vision, discomfort, increased by stuffiness, bright light, loud sounds.
Key areas of therapy
Regardless of the cause of the development of hypoparathyroidism, the patient requires lifelong therapy, focused on the elimination of calcium-phosphorus disorders. Depending on the features, clinical manifestations and severity of the disease, therapy can be conservative or operative.
The main directions of conservative treatment:
- Correction of the diet with daily consumption of products containing calcium – cottage cheese, cheese, kefir and other fermented milk products, legumes, apples;
- Adding to the diet products containing a high concentration of vitamin D2 – egg yolks, fish oil, beef liver;
- Reduction of foods rich in phosphorus in the diet – fish and seafood, meat products, eggs;
- Taking preparations or biologically active supplements based on calcium;
- Taking vitamin D;
- Sedative and anticonvulsant medications;
- Intravenous administration of calcium gluconate solution in case of acute hypocalcemic crisis.
Patients with hypoparathyroidism may be additionally prescribed a course of magnesium preparations to restore its metabolism. Stabilization of the level of this nutrient contributes to the full restoration of the functional state and activity of the parathyroid glands.
Patients with confirmed hypoparathyroidism, a course of calcium in combination with vitamin D is mandatorily prescribed. Activating its production in the human body helps to stay in direct sunlight, as well as physiotherapy with ultraviolet irradiation.
Surgical interventions in hypoparathyroidism are rarely used. The main indications are considered malignant neoplasm in the parathyroid gland and hemorrhage, which can cause pathology.
Possible complications of hypoparathyroidism
Lack of timely therapy leads to the development of serious deposits. Most often, patients begin to suffer from excessive calcium deposition in the area of the urinary system, cerebral or soft tissues.
Excessive calcium accumulation leads to severe damage to the visual analyzer, brain dysfunction, and musculoskeletal deterioration. This reduces the quality of life, bringing the patient serious discomfort.
In the most severe situations, the lack of therapy for hypoparathyroidism can cause an acute crisis of hypocalcemia, carrying a risk not only for health, but also for the life of the patient. In such cases, he needs emergency medical care.
Recovery period
Hypoparathyroidism requires regular observation with an endocrinologist. The patient should be examined at least once every 3-4 months, not forgetting to take prescribed medications and proper nutrition.
Every 5-6 months, people suffering from hypoparathyroidism need an ophthalmologic examination with monitoring of the state of the lens. If necessary, the patient may be additionally recommended a CT scan, which allows timely detection of the smallest abnormalities in the brain.
Hypoparathyroidism Prevention Measures
To prevent hypoparathyroidism, it is necessary to carefully monitor the state of the parathyroid glands after surgical interventions on the neck or trauma. To do this, the patient should be regularly observed by an endocrinologist and monitor the dynamics of recovery after surgery.
Conclusion
Hypoparathyroidism is a serious endocrine disease that requires timely diagnosis and long-term treatment to prevent complications. Proper therapy, including nutritional correction, vitamin and calcium intake, as well as regular medical examinations, allow patients to maintain a normal condition and avoid acute conditions. It is important to remember that timely referral to a doctor and compliance with treatment recommendations significantly reduce risks and help improve quality of life.
