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Hypoparathyroidism

Important
It is possible that the main title of the report Hypoparathyroidism is not the name you expected. Please check the synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and disorder subdivision(s) covered by this report.

Synonyms

Parathyroid, Underactivity of
Tetany

Disorder Subdivisions

None

General Discussion

Hypoparathyroidism is a condition characterized by insufficient production of parathyroid hormones by the parathyroid glands, the small, oval glands located near the thyroid gland in the neck. Parathyroid hormones (along with vitamin D and the hormone calcitonin, which is produced by the thyroid gland) play a role in regulating levels of calcium in the blood. Due to deficiency of parathyroid hormones, affected individuals exhibit abnormally low levels of calcium in the blood (hypocalcemia). Symptoms and findings associated with Hypoparathyroidism may include weakness, muscle cramps, excessive nervousness, headaches, and/or increased excitability (hyperexcitability) of nerves resulting in uncontrollable twitching and cramping spasms of certain muscles such as those of the hands, feet, arms, and/or face (tetany). Hypoparathyroidism may result from absence of the parathyroid glands at birth, occur due to or in association with a number of different underlying disorders, or result from removal of or damage to the parathyroid glands. In rare cases, Hypoparathyroidism may be inherited as an autosomal recessive genetic trait.
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Resources

Hypoparathyroidism Association, Inc.
PO Box 2258
Idaho Falls, ID 83403
Tel: (208)524-3857
Email: hpth@hpth.org; hpth@cableone.net
Internet: http://www.hpth.org

NIH/National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
2 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3570
Tel: (301)654-3810
Fax: (301)907-8906
Tel: (800)891-5389
Email: nddic@info.niddk.nih.gov
Internet: http://www.niddk.nih.gov

Thyroid Foundation of Canada
797 Princess Street
Kingston
Ontario, Intl K7L 5J7
Canada
Tel: 6135448364
Fax: 6135449731
Tel: (800) 267-8822
Email: thyroid@kos.net
Internet: http://www.thyroid.ca

NIH/National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
31 Center Dr
Building 31, Room 2A32
MSC2425
Bethesda, MD 20892
Tel: (301)496-5133
Fax: (301)496-7101
Internet: http://www.nih.gov/hichd/

Hormone Foundation
8401 Connecticut Ave
Suite 900
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Fax: (310)941-0259
Tel: (800)467-6663
Email: hormone@endo-society.org
Internet: http://www.hormone.org

MUMS (Mothers United for Moral Support, Inc) National Parent-to-Parent Network
150 Custer Court
Green Bay, WI 54301-1243
USA
Tel: (920)336-5333
Fax: (920)339-0995
Tel: (877)336-5333
Email: mums@netnet.net
Internet: http://www.netnet.net/mums/

For a Complete Report:

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org

Last Updated: 8/8/2007
Copyright 1989, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2007 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

WebMD Medical Reference from the National Organization of Rare Disorders

Last Updated: August 08, 2007

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.