Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 2026

Generation of Hypoparathyroid Rats via Carbon-Nanoparticle-Assisted Parathyroidectomy
03:57

Generation of Hypoparathyroid Rats via Carbon-Nanoparticle-Assisted Parathyroidectomy

Published on: July 14, 2023

Use of recombinant human parathyroid hormone in hypocalcemic cardiomyopathy

Ghada T Ballane1, Jad G Sfeir, Habib A Dakik

  • 1Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Riad El Solh, Lebanon.

European Journal of Endocrinology
|March 21, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Severe hypocalcemia from hypoparathyroidism can cause heart failure. Early treatment, including recombinant human parathyroid hormone (PTH), significantly improved cardiac function in a rare case.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cardiology
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Hypoparathyroidism, often resulting from thyroidectomy, can lead to severe hypocalcemia.
  • Hypocalcemia is a rare but significant cause of congestive heart failure (CHF).
  • Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial for improving cardiac function.

Observation:

  • A middle-aged woman presented with heart failure symptoms 22 years post-thyroidectomy.
  • She exhibited profound hypocalcemia (serum calcium 3.7 mg/dl) and hyperphosphatemia (serum inorganic phosphate 17.6 mg/dl).
  • This clinical picture indicated hypocalcemia secondary to hypoparathyroidism.

Findings:

  • The patient received standard calcium and calcitriol supplementation.
  • She was the first reported case of severe hypocalcemic cardiomyopathy treated off-label with recombinant human parathyroid hormone (PTH).
  • Treatment led to significant improvement in cardiac function.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the critical role of calcium and PTH in myocardial contractility.
  • It suggests potential therapeutic benefits of PTH in managing hypocalcemic cardiomyopathy.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is vital for diagnosing and treating rare causes of heart failure.

More Related Videos

Two Techniques to Create Hypoparathyroid Mice: Parathyroidectomy Using GFP Glands and Diphtheria-Toxin-Mediated Parathyroid Ablation07:13

Two Techniques to Create Hypoparathyroid Mice: Parathyroidectomy Using GFP Glands and Diphtheria-Toxin-Mediated Parathyroid Ablation

Published on: March 14, 2017

Enhancing the Engraftment of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Cardiomyocytes via a Transient Inhibition of Rho Kinase Activity08:00

Enhancing the Engraftment of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Cardiomyocytes via a Transient Inhibition of Rho Kinase Activity

Published on: July 10, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Calcium Channel Blockers01:26

Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Calcium Channel Blockers

Receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are two critical categories of drugs employed in the treatment of pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). PAH is a disease that causes high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, resulting in chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
TKIs, such as imatinib (Gleevec), are particularly effective in tackling the growth and mitogenic factors that become upregulated in PAH patients. These factors contribute to the...
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...
The Parathyroid Glands00:59

The Parathyroid Glands

The two pairs of parathyroid glands embedded within the posterior surface of the thyroid gland are restricted by a dense capsule around them. These glands comprise two distinct cell populations—parathyroid oxyphil and parathyroid principal cells- pivotal in calcium homeostasis.
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by producing...