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Hypercalcemia in hyperthyroidism. Role of age and goiter type
Klinische Wochenschrift
|March 16, 1981
Summary
Hyperthyroidism can cause hypercalcemia, particularly in older patients with multinodular goiters. Thyroid hormones, age, and goiter type influence calcium metabolism disturbances.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Calcium Metabolism
Background:
- Hyperthyroidism is frequently linked to hypercalcemia.
- Thyroid hormones can stimulate osteoclastic activity, affecting calcium levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between hyperthyroidism, age, goiter type, and hypercalcemia.
- To analyze calcium metabolism disturbances in hyperthyroid patients.
Main Methods:
- Measured total serum calcium, protein, albumin, and thyroid function tests (T3 RIA, T4, ETR, TRH) in 147 patients.
- Calculated ionized calcium levels from total calcium and albumin.
- Correlated ionized calcium with age, thyroid function, and goiter type.
Main Results:
- Hyperthyroidism did not significantly elevate total serum calcium.
- Elevated ionized calcium was found in 18.8% of hyperthyroid patients over 60 and 43.8% with multinodular goiters.
- A significant positive correlation existed between ionized calcium and thyroid function parameters in older patients.
Conclusions:
- Age and multinodular goiters are significant factors in hypercalcemia associated with hyperthyroidism.
- Direct effects of thyroid hormones on calcium turnover, combined with age and goiter type, disrupt calcium metabolism.
- Possible calcitonin deficiency may contribute to these disturbances.