Hypoparathyroidism

Synonyms

• Parathyroid, Underactivity of
• Tetany

Disorder Subdivisions

• None

General Discussion

Hypoparathyroidism is a condition characterized by insufficient production of parathyroid hormones by the parathyroid glands, the small, oval glands located near the thyroid gland in the neck. Parathyroid hormones (along with vitamin D and the hormone calcitonin, which is produced by the thyroid gland) play a role in regulating levels of calcium in the blood. Due to deficiency of parathyroid hormones, affected individuals exhibit abnormally low levels of calcium in the blood (hypocalcemia). Symptoms and findings associated with Hypoparathyroidism may include weakness, muscle cramps, excessive nervousness, headaches, and/or increased excitability (hyperexcitability) of nerves resulting in uncontrollable twitching and cramping spasms of certain muscles such as those of the hands, feet, arms, and/or face (tetany). Hypoparathyroidism may result from absence of the parathyroid glands at birth, occur due to or in association with a number of different underlying disorders, or result from removal of or damage to the parathyroid glands. In rare cases, Hypoparathyroidism may be inherited as an autosomal recessive genetic trait.

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Resources

Hypoparathyroidism Association, Inc.

PO Box 2258

Idaho Falls, ID 83403

Tel: (208)524-3857

Email: hpth@hpth.org; hpth@cableone.net

Internet: http://www.hpth.org



NIH/National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse

2 Information Way

Bethesda, MD 20892-3570

Tel: (301)654-3810

Fax: (301)907-8906

Tel: (800)891-5389

Email: nddic@info.niddk.nih.gov

Internet: http://www.niddk.nih.gov



Thyroid Foundation of Canada

797 Princess Street

Kingston

Ontario, Intl K7L 5J7

Canada

Tel: 6135448364

Fax: 6135449731

Tel: (800) 267-8822

Email: thyroid@kos.net

Internet: http://www.thyroid.ca



NIH/National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

31 Center Dr

Building 31, Room 2A32

MSC2425

Bethesda, MD 20892

Tel: (301)496-5133

Fax: (301)496-7101

Internet: http://www.nih.gov/hichd/



Hormone Foundation

8401 Connecticut Ave

Suite 900

Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Fax: (310)941-0259

Tel: (800)467-6663

Email: hormone@endo-society.org

Internet: http://www.hormone.org



MUMS (Mothers United for Moral Support, Inc) National Parent-to-Parent Network

150 Custer Court

Green Bay, WI 54301-1243

USA

Tel: (920)336-5333

Fax: (920)339-0995

Tel: (877)336-5333

Email: mums@netnet.net

Internet: http://www.netnet.net/mums/

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org

Last Updated:  8/8/2007

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