Hypoparathyroidism (cont.)

The goal of treatment for hypoparathyroidism is to restore the body's calcium and phosphorus to normal levels. Calcium carbonate and vitamin D supplements are the only currently approved treatment. However, NIH studies have shown the investigational drug PTH to work well as an alternative therapy.

If hypoparathyroidism is diagnosed and treated early, outcomes are usual good and the body grows normally.

If hypoparathyroidism is left untreated, complications can include a blocked airway due to severe muscle spasms, stunted growth, malformed teeth, development of cataracts, and calcium deposits in the brain.

SOURCE: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Last Editorial Review: 9/24/2008

Source: MedicineNet.com
http://www.medicinenet.com/hypoparathyroidism/article.htm