Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 17, 2026
Two Techniques to Create Hypoparathyroid Mice: Parathyroidectomy Using GFP Glands and Diphtheria-Toxin-Mediated Parathyroid Ablation
Published on: March 14, 2017
Late-Onset Hypoparathyroidism-Induced Hypocalcemia in a Very Low Birth Weight Infant Caused by Undiagnosed Maternal
Arne Beyer1, Meike Franssen2, Kai Böckenholt2
1Universitätsklinikum Münster, Pädiatrische Kardiologie, Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia, Deutschland.
Objective:
To describe a rare case of late-onset neonatal hypocalcemia in a very preterm infant caused by maternal adenoma-related hyperparathyroidism (HyperPT) and to discuss diagnostic and therapeutic implications.
Study Design:
Case report of a preterm infant born at 29 weeks of gestation with very low birth weight. Clinical course, laboratory findings, maternal history, and management were reviewed to identify the etiology and guide treatment.
Results:
The infant developed transient, asymptomatic hypocalcemia during the neonatal period. Maternal evaluation revealed primary HyperPT due to a parathyroid adenoma as the underlying cause. The newborn responded to calcium supplementation and optimized vitamin D therapy.
Conclusion:
Maternal HyperPT can cause delayed neonatal hypocalcemia even in preterm infants. Early recognition through coordinated maternal-neonatal evaluation is crucial. Optimal vitamin D administration and close interdisciplinary communication between obstetrics and neonatology are essential for prevention and management.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis
00:51Synthesis and Functions of Calcitonin
The exact mechanisms by which calcitonin operates in calcium homeostasis remain elusive, but its significance is evident in several vital...
01:17Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
00:59The Parathyroid Glands
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...
01:29Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
01:20Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...