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[Hypoparathyroidism]
S Sabanović1, E Saracević, F Catibusić
1Pedijatrijska klinika, Klinicki centar Univerziteta u Sarajevu.
Medicinski Arhiv
|February 28, 2001
Summary
Hypoparathyreoidism, a common parathyroid disorder, can cause seizures and hair loss due to low calcium. Treatment with calcitriol effectively normalized calcium levels and resolved symptoms in a young girl.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pediatrics
- Genetics
Background:
- Hypoparathyreoidism is a common endocrine disorder characterized by insufficient parathyroid hormone production.
- Clinical manifestations primarily stem from hypocalcemia, leading to neuromuscular excitability and other systemic complications.
- Alopecia is a recognized, though less common, symptom associated with hypoparathyreoidism.
Observation:
- A five-year-old girl presented with intractable seizures and total alopecia, suggestive of severe hypocalcemia.
- Initial laboratory investigations revealed a serum calcium level of 1.23 mmol/l and suppressed parathormone levels (< 10 pg/ml).
- The patient's symptoms were refractory to conventional anticonvulsant therapy.
Findings:
- Treatment with calcitriol (Rocaltrol) was initiated to address the underlying hypocalcemia.
- Following calcitriol administration, serum calcium levels normalized, and the patient's seizures resolved.
- The resolution of alopecia was also noted, suggesting a potential link between calcium homeostasis and hair health.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering and managing hypoparathyreoidism in pediatric patients presenting with unexplained seizures and alopecia.
- Calcitriol is an effective therapeutic agent for correcting hypocalcemia and alleviating associated symptoms in hypoparathyreoidism.
- Further research may elucidate the specific mechanisms by which calcium dysregulation impacts hair follicle function and growth.