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Parathyroids: the forgotten glands
1Pediatrix Medical Group, Tacoma General Hospital, 315 Martin Luther King Way, Tacoma, WA 98405, USA. steffensru@aol.com
Insights
Neonatal hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia are often linked to parathyroid gland dysfunction. Understanding parathyroid hormone
Area of Science:
- Neonatal physiology
- Endocrinology
- Calcium metabolism
Background:
- Symptomatic calcium disorders, particularly hypocalcemia, are frequent in preterm and some term infants.
- Various factors can lead to neonatal hypo- or hypercalcemia, frequently stemming from parathyroid gland dysfunction.
- Altered parathyroid function disrupts calcium homeostasis, impacting neonatal physiological functioning and causing clinical symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of parathyroid glands and parathyroid hormone (PTH) in neonatal calcium balance.
- To elucidate the clinical consequences of altered parathyroid function in neonates.
- To highlight the significance of parathyroid glands in maintaining normal neonatal physiology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on parathyroid function and calcium homeostasis in neonates.
- Analysis of factors contributing to neonatal calcium disorders.
- Synthesis of information on clinical manifestations of parathyroid dysfunction.
Main Results:
- Parathyroid gland dysfunction is a common underlying cause of neonatal calcium imbalances.
- PTH plays a critical role in regulating calcium levels.
- Altered PTH function leads to significant clinical symptoms in affected infants.
Conclusions:
- Parathyroid glands are crucial for maintaining neonatal calcium homeostasis.
- Recognizing and understanding parathyroid dysfunction is essential for managing neonatal calcium disorders.
- Further appreciation of these "forgotten" glands is needed for optimal neonatal care.
Abstract:
Symptomatic calcium disorders--most notably, hypocalcemia--are common problems in preterm and certain term infants. Many factors predispose susceptible neonates to hypo- or hypercalcemia, but in many cases, the root of the problem is altered function of the parathyroid glands. Parathyroid gland dysfunction may affect calcium homeostasis and alter physiologic functioning, resulting in significant clinical symptoms. A review of how the parathyroid glands and parathyroid hormone affect calcium balance and of the problems that result from altered function promotes a better appreciation of the important role played by these sometimes "forgotten" glands in maintaining normal neonatal physiologic functioning.