E20.9

Clinical Causes: Surgical removal of parathyroid glands during neck surgeries or thyroid procedures Autoimmune destruction of the parathyroid glands Genetic disorders affecting parathyroid development or function Radiation therapy targeting the neck or head region Low magnesium levels, which can impair PTH secretion Idiopathic cases where the cause is unknown

Key Symptoms: Muscle cramps and twitching Numbness or tingling sensations, especially around the lips and fingertips Seizures in severe cases Fatigue and weakness Difficulty breathing or respiratory issues due to tetany Dry skin and brittle nails Hair loss Mood changes or irritability

Diagnosis Path: Diagnosing hypoparathyroidism involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Key tests include measuring blood calcium levels (usually low), phosphorus levels (often elevated), and PTH levels (typically low or inappropriately normal). Additional tests may assess magnesium levels and look for underlying causes, such as autoimmune markers or evidence of previous neck surgeries. Imaging studies like ultrasound or sestamibi scans might be utilized to evaluate the parathyroid glands if applicable.

Treatment Protocols: Oral calcium supplements to maintain normal blood calcium levels Active vitamin D analogs, such as calcitriol, to enhance calcium absorption Magnesium supplementation if deficiency is identified Monitoring of blood calcium and phosphate levels periodically Addressing underlying causes, if identifiable and treatable In some cases, synthetic PTH injections may be used for hormone replacement therapy