Disorder of the parathyroid gland with excessive secretion of parathormone. Leads to high level of calcium in the blood and a leeching of calcium from the bones. Symptoms: thirst, voiding of large quantities of urine, lack of appetite, physical weakness, constipation, nausea, high blood pressure. An association with pancreatitis and peptic ulcer.
Most common cause is a tumour on one of the glands or swelling of all four. Bone fragility leads to fractures and deformity.
Disorder of the parathyroid gland with diminished secretion of parathormone. Part of the gland may be removed in excision of part of the thyroid, or from injury. Symptoms: Low levels of calcium in the blood (hypocalcaemia). See entry. One diagnostic sign is a twitching or spasm of the muscles (tetany).
(parathormone) a hormone, synthesized and released by the parathyroid glands, that controls the distribution of calcium and phosphate in the body. A high level of the hormone causes transfer of calcium from the bones to the blood; a deficiency lowers blood calcium levels, causing *tetany. This condition may be treated by injections of calcium gluconate. Compare calcitonin.
Recombinant parathyroid hormone (Preotact) is given by subcutaneous injection to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis.... parathyroid hormone
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