Calcium Metabolism (5/21) Flashcards
Describe the normal calcium feedback mechanism
- Decreased serum calcium is recognized by the parathyroid glands
- PTH secretion is increased and goes to the bone and kidney
- At the bone, PTH stimulates increased bone Ca+ and phosphate resorption. At the kidney, PTH stimulates increased renal Ca2+ resorption. At the kidney, PTH also signals for activation of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 via addition of a hydroxy group.
- D3 causes GI Ca2+ and Pi absorption into serum
- Increased levels of excreted phosphate and calcium are detected in the urine (calcium because the body is trying to get rid of the XS serum calcium it senses)
What is primary hyperparathyroidism?
Abnormal hypersecretion of PTH leading to hypercalcemia
What causes primary hyperparathyroidism?
Solitary adenoma (one parathy gland is enlarged +over produces) Diffuse hyperplasia (all 4 overproductive) Parathyroid carcinoma (very rare)
What is the most common cause of primary hyperparathyroidism?
Solitary adenoma (one of 4 parathyroid glands is enlarged)
What are the consequences of hyperparathyroidism?
- Osteitis fibrosa cystica (bony lesions)
- Increased kidney stones due to xs secretion of calcium
- Stomach ulcers, pancreatitis
- Psychosis: can feel better after treatment
What happens to bone in primary hyperparathyroidism?
- Generalized demineralization of bone, subperiosteal bone resorption and bone cysts
- Osteitis fibrosa cystica
What do most pts present with in primary hyperparathyroidism?
Elevated serum calcium only
Additional signs and symptoms:
-kidney stones, renal dysfxn, reduced bone mineral density
What kind of bone has the most reduced bone mineral density in primary hyperparathyroidism?
Cortical bone
Where is the best place to do a dexa scan to determine primary hyperparathyroidism?
Look at 1/3 distal bone radius because the bone is 80% cortical bone there
Treatments for primary hyperparathyroidism?
- Asymptomatic with no complications: medical monitoring
- Symptomatic pt with kidney stones and fracture: Surgery
- Asymptomatic pts <50 because dis progresses. Reduced creatinine because Ca deposition messes with creatinine.
What is secondary hyperparathyroidism?
- Hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands compensate for hypocalcemia..this is actually an appropriate response
- Have increased PTH because serum calcium levels are low
How do we treat secondary hyperparathyroidism?
Treat the underlying cause:
- Renal insuffi
- Ca malabsorption
- Vit D def
What is tertiary hyperparathyroidism?
- Parathy gland hyperfxn and hypersec due to prolonged secondary hyperparathyroidism
- Elevated serum ca
- Req surgery if severe
- Often occurs in setting of renal insufficiency. If long term low Ca, one parathyroid can become autonomous leading to elevated serum Ca levels
What is familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH)?
-Autosomal dominant disease
-Abnormal calcium sensor shifts parathyroid setpt for calcium
-
What are the lab findings in FHH?
- Elevated serum Ca
- Normal or slightly elevated PTH
- Low urine calcium*: receptors are also in the kidney and will reabsorb calcium to reach the elevated setpt