Hyperparathyroidism Care – Secondary hyperparathyroidism Signs & symptoms

The parathyroids are a set of four glands situated in the neck that synthesizes and secretes parathyroid hormone (PTH) to help control calcium used by the body. Normally, unusually large quantities of PTH secreted due to increased activities of these glands causes hyperthyroidism. When this occurs on account of lower blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia) the excessive secretion of PTH from the parathyroid gland occurs in the human body thus leading to a medical complication known as secondary hyperparathyroidism. This is a characteristic ailment in patients who undergo renal failure.

Causes of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism :

This condition has varied causes. The blood calcium is maintained by the PTH by means of regulating the bone turnover, absorption of calcium from the gut and release of calcium in the urine. Secondary hyperparathyroidism is mainly caused low levels of blood calcium and an imbalance in the phosphate levels. The causes of such imbalances are brought about other disorders of the body like deficiency of Vitamin D, Rickets (osteomalacia), improper absorption of Vitamin D and abnormal Vitamin D absorption induced by drugs. The more prone people to Vitamin D deficiency include malnutritioned children and elderly people with little sun exposure. Also calcium deficiency in the diet or too much loss of calcium in the urine may also be major reasons for this disorder.

Conditions that lead to abnormal breakdown of phosphate are malnutrition, malabsorption, aluminium toxicity, kidney disease, and certain types of cancer. Another major cause of this disease being chronic renal failure takes place as a result of insufficient amount of phosphates cleared from the body, release of phosphate from the bone, lower absorption of calcium in the gut and reduction in calcium levels in the blood.

Signs & Symptoms of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism:

Following are the signs and symptoms associated with secondary hyperparathyroidism:

• Symptoms:
• Rickets
• Weakness
• Poor growth
• Bowed limbs
• Swollen joints
• Bone pain and fractures
• Delayed tooth development
• Patients with chronic kidney failure may have to face osteomalacia, osteoporosis or both.
• Diarrhea
• Pleiotropic effects on blood, immune system and neurological system.

Chronic kidney failure leads to nullified conversion of vitamin D to its active form. They do not even adequately excrete phosphorus. As a result, insoluble calcium phosphate is produced in the body and calcium is removed from the blood. Both process leads to hypocalcemia thus resulting in secondary hyperparathyroidism. If the underlying cause of hypocalcemia can be detected, the secondary hyperparathyroidism would be resolved. Treatment for this disease involves dietary restriction of phosphorus, addition of supplements with an active form of vitamin D such as calcitrol, Hectorol, Zemplar and so on and other phosphate binders that can be categorized into calcium-based and non calcium-based.

Secondary Hyperparathyroidism Treatment :

A newer class of medication known as calcimimetics is made commercially available under the name of Sensipar for the treatment of this disease. These drugs have shown positive effects on the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism. The only drawback with this medicinal supplement is that it has not been approved against chronic kidney failure and may cause an increase in the phosphorus levels. In most cases of treatment of this disease, renal transplantation proves to be effective but patients might still continue to suffer from residual or tertiary hyperparathyroidism as a consequence along with an associated risk of bone loss.

Care

Hyperparathyroidism Closely related to Calcium and Vitamin D level. The Mayo Clinic suggests that you ensure that your calcium intake is between 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams a day and your intake of vitamin D is about 400 to 600 international units a day for bone support and immunity.

Foods to Avoid

Potential Allergic foods like gluten (refined wheat flour), dairy, corn, soy, additives, sugar, pasta, alcohol and processed food with preservatives.

Foods to take

Take Calcium rich food to maintain calcium level like dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale, beans, and almonds. Drink lots of fluid and use soya milk instead of Dairy milk.