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hyperparathyroidism
(hi″pәr-par″ә-thi´roid-iz-әm)
abnormally increased activity of the parathyroid gland; it may be either primary or secondary. Since hyperparathyroidism is a common cause of increased calcium levels, hypercalcemia discovered during routine testing often leads to diagnosis of the condition. An excess of parathyroid hormone leads to alteration in the function of cells of bone, renal tubules, and gastrointestinal mucous membranes. It may result
in kidney stones and calcium deposits in the renal tubules; in generalized loss of calcium of bone (osteomalacia), with bone pain and spontaneous fractures; and in hypercalcemia that can cause muscular weakness and gastrointestinal problems.
primary hyperparathyroidism
that caused by excessive production of parathyroid hormone, usually associated with a tumor (especially an adenoma), and less often with overgrowth of the parathyroid gland.
secondary hyperparathyroidism
any type that develops as a compensatory mechanism when the serum calcium level is persistently below normal, as in chronic
renal disease, vitamin D deficiency, or intestinal malabsorption syndromes, all of which can cause insufficient absorption of calcium and vitamin D.
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