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Magnesium Primary Hyperparathyroidism
The parathyroid glands are located adjacent to the thyroid gland in the neck. These endocrine glands are responsible for secreting a substance known as parathyroid hormone. Parathyroid hormone is required to regulate the blood level of calcium in the body. Increased levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) will lead to increased blood calcium levels.
Primary hyperparathyroidism is a condition characterized by the over production of parathyroid hormone. This disease is almost never fatal. It manifests few symptoms, that are quickly identifiable by widely available laboratory tests. It is curable with relatively simple and inexpensive surgery. The disease was first described in 1925, thus representing a relatively new disorder. There are approximately 2 cases per 1,000 people per year in the U.S., affecting females 3 times as often as males. The disease most commonly affects postmenopausal females, but can occur at any age, including the neonatal period (infants under 4 months). In 85% of the cases the cause is secondary to a single hyperfunctioning zone of tissue, known as an adenoma. The diagnosis is most commonly made through the discovery of asymptomatic hypercalcemia (increased blood calcium) and low blood phosphate levels. Confirmation is made when an increased blood parathyroid hormone level is found. More advanced cases can present with mental confusion, lethargy, slow heart rate, nausea, bone pain, hypertension, and muscular weakness. Some cases may have associated peptic ulcer disease, kidney stones, bone cysts, and pancreatitis. Treatment is based on the surgical removal of the over-active parathyroid tissue (adenoma). The operation is usually 60-90 minutes in duration and patients are frequently out of bed the day of surgery. Blood calcium levels generally return to normal within 24 hours. The Internist or Endocrinologist are the experts in the management of this problem.
Hope this artilce will provide you information about primary hyperparathyroidism.
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