News

Fluorescent tool may help to protect parathyroid glands during surgery

Using near-infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) to protect the parathyroid glands during thyroid surgery did not significantly lower the risk of hypoparathyroidism as a surgical complication, a study with experienced thyroid surgeons reported. Although there were fewer hypoparathyroidism cases with NIRAF three months after surgery, differences  were not statistically significant when compared…

Steroid therapy may help to treat autoimmune hypoparathyroidism

People with autoimmune hypoparathyroidism who have anti-CaSR antibodies — which play a role in regulating the parathyroid hormone, known as PTH — may benefit from adding steroid therapy to standard vitamin D and calcium supplementation, a case report suggests. That report described a 55-year-old woman who’d had seizures for 35…

Imaging technique lowers risk of hypoparathyroidism after surgery

Using an imaging technique called near-infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) during thyroid surgery can help to lower the risk of hypoparathyroidism as a surgery complication, a study reported, detailing a workable approach for its use. The study, “Prevention of hypoparathyroidism: A step-by-step near-infrared autofluorescence parathyroid identification method,” was…

Two new GCM2 mutations tied to severe hypoparathyroidism

Two severe cases of hypoparathyroidism were associated with two newly identified mutations in the glial cell missing homolog 2 (GCM2) gene by scientists in India. “This report demonstrates the critical role of GCM2 activity in human parathyroid gland development through clinical and genetic analysis of 2 patients with hypoparathyroidism,” the…

Radioiodine Therapy May Extend Parathyroid Recovery After Surgery

Treatment with radioiodine extended the recovery of parathyroid function in patients who underwent surgical thyroid removal, in some cases beyond one year, a study in China has found. Although some studies suggest that hypoparathyroidism might be permanent if it lasts more than six months, this diagnosis “should be cautiously made…

Abnormal Calcium Levels Tied to Chronic Kidney Disease: Study

People with chronic hypoparathyroidism and blood calcium levels outside the reference range may have higher odds of developing chronic kidney disease, according to a study. The study, “Association of calcium and phosphate levels with incident chronic kidney disease in patients with hypoparathyroidism: a retrospective case-control study, was…