1. NR 202
DISORDERS OF THE PARATHYROID
GLANDS

2. HYPERPARATHYROIDISM
Increase in parathyroid hormone (PTH)

 PTH regulates calcium
 Increase in PTH affects kidneys and bones.
 Pg 547

3. DIAGNOSIS OF HYPERPARATHYROIDISM
Diagnosis of exclusion, excluding all other

possible causes of hypercalcemia.
 6 month history of symptoms
 Serum calcium levels
 PTH levels

4. TREATMENT OF HYPERPARATHYROIDISM
Decreasing elevated serum calcium levels

 Mild levels- drink fluids and stay active
Avoid immobility, large doses of vitamins A and D,

and calcium supplements and/or antacids containing
calcium.
Severe hypercalcemia- hospitalization and IV

saline.
 Other medications :
To inhibit bone reabsorption and reduce

hypercalcemia: Fosamax and Zometa
 Calcitonin

5. HYPOPARATHYROIDISM
Abnormally low PTH levels

 Common cause: damage or removal of
parathyroid glands during a thyroidectomy
 Lack of PTH causes hypocalcemia and
elevated blood phosphate level.
 Symptoms page 548

6. DIAGNOSIS OF HYPOPARATHYROIDISM
Low serum calcium levels

 High phosphorous levels

7. TREATMENT OF HYPOPARATHYROIDISM
Increase calcium levels

 IV calcium gluconate for immediate intervention
for tetany
 Long term- supplemental calcium, increased
dietary calcium and Vit D therapy