Endocrine disorder is most common cause of elevated calcium levels

Unusually high calcium levels in the blood can quite often be followed to essential hyperparathyroidism, an undertreated, underreported condition that influences predominantly women and the elderly, according to a new study by researchers.

The condition, which results from overactive parathyroid glands and includes symptoms of bone loss, depression and fatigue that may go undetected for years, is most often seen in women over the age of 50, the researchers discovered.

The four parathyroid glands, which are situated in the neck, next to the thyroid, control the body's calcium levels. When one is dysfunctional, it can cause major imbalances - for example, by releasing calcium from the bones and into the circulatory system. Over time, calcium loss from bones often prompts to osteoporosis and fractures, and excessive calcium levels in the blood can cause kidney stones and worsening kidney function. 

The researchers determined that hyperparathyroidism is the leading cause of high blood-calcium levels and is responsible for nearly 90 percent of all cases. The findings suggest that hyperparathyroidism is the predominant reason for high calcium levels, so if patients discover they have high calcium, they should also have their parathyroid hormone level checked. Hyperparathyroidism, which influences approximately 1 percent of the population, can be identified by measuring parathyroid hormone levels to determine if they are elevated or abnormal. 

The researchers noted that the growing prevalence is likely due to increased calcium testing, annual lab tests to monitor patients with indications and the low rate of surgery to treat the disorder. Previous studies have shown that only 28% of patients with hyperparathyroidism undergo surgery to remove the overactive parathyroid gland - the most reliable way to correct the disorder. Women can suffer over years with hyperparathyroidism and not know they have it, which is especially critical in midlife when bone health is so critical. Appropriate management of the disorder is essential. Surgery should be considered in most of the individuals with primary hyperparathyroidism.  

The scientists noticed that the developing pervasiveness is likely because of expanded calcium testing, yearly lab tests to screen patients with indications and the low rate of medical procedure to treat the confusion. Past research has appeared just 28 percent of patients with hyperparathyroidism experience medical procedure to expel the overactive parathyroid organ - the most solid approach to address the turmoil. Ladies can languish over years with hyperparathyroidism and not realize they have it, which is particularly basic in midlife when bone wellbeing is so critical. Suitable administration of the turmoil is fundamental. Medical procedure ought to be considered in most of the individuals with essential hyperparathyroidism.

The next step, the researcher said that further study of this patient population to examine the long-term impact of the condition on bone health and the effectiveness of different management strategies on outcomes.

For more details, please visit Obesity Middle East 2019

Contact details:
Alina Grace
Program Manager | Obesity Middle East 2019
Email id: obesityendo@mehealthevents.org