Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Evaluation of Hepatic Glucose Production in a Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Mouse Model
Published on: March 5, 2022
Pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1a and insulin resistance in a child
1Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA. benjamin.nwosu@umassmemorial.org
Insights
This case study highlights pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1a (PHP1a) in a young girl, diagnosed through genetic testing and biochemical markers. Early management of hypocalcemia, hypothyroidism, and growth hormone deficiency is crucial for this Albright hereditary osteodystrophy variant.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Genetics
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- A 5-year-old girl presented with physical characteristics suggestive of Albright hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO).
- She had a history of infantile hypothyroidism and later developed subcutaneous nodules and acanthosis nigricans.
- These findings prompted further investigation into potential endocrine and genetic disorders.
Observation:
- Investigations included serum hormone levels, growth hormone stimulation test, insulin resistance assessment, bone age, and GNAS gene analysis.
- The patient exhibited hypocalcemia, hypothyroidism, growth hormone deficiency, and insulin resistance.
Findings:
- Diagnosis confirmed as pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1a with Albright hereditary osteodystrophy.
- Genetic analysis of the GNAS gene is key for diagnosis.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and comprehensive management are vital for addressing hormonal imbalances and physical manifestations.
- Multidisciplinary care involving endocrinology, genetics, and nutritional support optimizes treatment for pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1a.
Abstract:
Background. A 5-year-old white girl with a history of hypothyroidism in infancy presented to the endocrinology clinic of a tertiary hospital. Her physical examination noted a stocky physique, broad chest, short neck and short digits. Two years later, skin examination revealed subcutaneous nodules and acanthosis nigricans.Investigations. Measurement of levels of serum phosphate, parathyroid hormone, ionized calcium and insulin; measurement of peak growth hormone by the arginine-levodopa stimulation test; calculation of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance; assessment of bone age; DNA analysis of the GNAS gene.Diagnosis. Pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1a in a patient with Albright hereditary osteodystrophy, characterized by hypocalcemia, hypothyroidism, growth-hormone deficiency and insulin resistance.Management. The child continued to take levothyroxine 25 microg once daily, and at 5 years of age she was started on 40 mg/kg elemental calcium as calcium carbonate daily, and calcitriol (active vitamin D) 0.25 microg twice daily. Lifestyle modifications were also recommended for weight control. At 6 years and 4 months of age, treatment with growth hormone was initiated at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg weekly.
Related Concept Videos
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Type I Diabetes I: Introduction
Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Type II Diabetes I: Introduction
Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations

