Parathyroid and Calcium Metabolism Flashcards

1
Q

What hormone is responsible for the number of receptors in the intestine for absorption of calcium?

A

Vit D

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2
Q

How many parathyroid glands are present in a patient?

A

4, 2 on each thyroid

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3
Q

What is the principle cell present in the parathyroid gland?

A

Chief cells

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4
Q

How does PTH act on the bone?

A
  • Binds to osteoblasts
  • Increases activity of osteoclasts to breakdown and release Ca and phosphorus
  • Decreases bone density
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5
Q

How does PTH act on the kidney?

A
  • Blocks reabsorption of phosphorus
  • Increased excretion of phosphorus
  • Increases calcium absorption from tubules
  • Activates 1-alpha hydroxyase which stimulates production of Vit D
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6
Q

What is the feedback loop that regulates PTH secretion

A

↓ Ca = ↑ PTH
↑ Ca = ↓ PTH

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7
Q

How does Vitamin D effect calcium levels?

A
  • Facilitates intestinal absorption of calcium in the gut
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8
Q

What are the actions of calcitonin?

A
  • Reduces blood calcium
  • Suppresses reabsorption of Ca+ and phosphorus in kidney, increased excretion
  • Inhibits bone resorption by inhibiting osteoclasts
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9
Q

How does hypercalcemia affect kidney function?

A

Interferes with ADH, can’t concentrate urine, isosthenuric and PU/PD

(nephrogenic diabetes insipidus)

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10
Q

What are the clinical side effects of hypercalcemia?

A
  • PU/PD
  • Dystrophic calcification in organs
  • Cardiac dysfunction
  • Inappetence, V/D
  • Constipation in cats
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11
Q

DDx for Hypercalcemia?

A

DRAGONSHIT

  1. Vit D toxicity
  2. Renal failure
  3. Addisons
  4. Granulomatous dz
  5. Osteolysis (fracture, multiple myeloma)
  6. Neoplasia
  7. Spurious
  8. HyperPTH
  9. Idiopathic
  10. Toxins (ethylene glycol)
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12
Q

What neoplasias can cause hypercalcemia?

A
  • Anal sac adenocarcinoma
  • Mammary carcinoma
  • Lymphoma
  • Multiple myeloma (from osteolysis)
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13
Q

How can ultrasound help diagnose hyperPTH?

A

If 1 parathyroid is overreactive, other parathyroid glands are usually small and atrophied

  • Overactive parathyroid may be large or normal
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14
Q

What are the causes of secondary hyperPTH, and what would you expect PTH and Calcium levels to be in this case?

A
  • Nutritional deficient Ca+ diet
  • Renal dz (loosing too much Ca+)

Secondary hyperPTH: will show ↑ PTH and ↓ Ca

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15
Q

What are the causes of primary hyperPTH, and what would you expect PTH and Calcium levels to be in this case?

A

Idiopathic hyperplasia of the parathyroid gland

Primary hyperPTH: will show ↑ PTH and ↑ Ca

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16
Q

What breeds are associated with primary HyperPTH?

A
  • Keeshond
  • GSD
  • Norwegian elkhound
  • Siamese cats
17
Q

What is the emergency treatment of hypercalcemia?

A
  • Diuresis (fluids) to flush out Ca+
  • Furosemide (once hydrated)
  • Glucocorticoids (decreases Ca+ reabsorption, BUT don’t give if neoplasia can’t be ruled out)
  • Calcitonin (short term only, eventually body makes AutoAb to salmon calcitonin)
  • Bisphosphates (good for chronic conditions and multiple myeloma… binds to bone and inhibits osteoclasts)
18
Q

How are bisphosphates beneficial in treating hypercalcemia?

A

Binds to bone and inhibits osteoclasts, has a long half life

Good for chronic conditions and multiple myeloma

19
Q

What are the disadvantages of using bisphosphates to treat hypercalcemia?

A
  • PO can cause esophagitis
  • Injection can cause AKD
  • Given on empty stomach
  • Spontaneous fractures in cats
20
Q

Why is calcitonin only recommended for acute treatment of hypercalcemia?

A

Usually using salmon calcitonin… body will eventually make AutoAb against it… not for chronic use

21
Q

What are the causes of hypoparathyroidism?

A

Primary - lymphocytic parathyroiditis

Iatrogenic - complication of thyroidectomy

22
Q

What breeds are associated with Hypoparathyroidism?

A
  • Toy poodles
  • Mini schnauzers
  • Labs
  • GSD
  • Terriers
23
Q

What are clinical signs of hypoparathyroidism?

A

CS due to hypocalcemia

  • Seizures
  • Twitching
  • Ataxia
  • Facial rubbing, biting at feet (Cats > dogs)
  • Arrhythmias
  • Pyrexia (fever) from tremors
24
Q

What are the PTH, Calcium and phosphorus levels in a hypoparathyroid patient?

A

↓ PTH, ↓ Ca, ↑ phosphorus

25
Q

What is the emergency treatment of hypocalcemia?

A
  • 10% calcium gluconate slowly IV, monitor ECG
  • Continue for a couple days until PO drug takes effect
  • Monitor temp
    Maintenance:
  • PO calcium
  • PO Vit D3