Hyperparathyroidism in Graves' Patients
Aug
10
Written by:
8/10/2010
Vitamin D and parathyroid hormone work together to regulate calcium levels. In Vitamin D insufficiency, parathyroid hormone levels, causing a condition of secondary hyperparathyroidism. In one study researchers found that as many as 26 percent of patients with Graves' disease and Vitamin D deficiency had conditions of secondary hyperparathyroidism.
The researchers studied concentrations of serum calcium, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), and 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25 [OH] D) in 343 patients with Graves' disease (273 women, 70 men) during one year period. The serum 25 (OH) D levels were 37+/-19 nmol/L and vitamin D deficiency (defined as a serum 25 (OH) D value below 25 nmol/L) was found in 35% of the patients.
There was a significant seasonal variation in the 25 (OH) D concentrations, with high values of 51+/-21 nmol/L during the summer term (July-September), and with low values of 26+/-17 nmol/L during the winter term (January-March). The average serum iPTH level was 48+/-26 pg/mL, with 26% (89/343) having values above the normal range.
The results showed high prevalence of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with Graves' disease including patients on antithyroid drug therapy. They concluded that vitamin D and/or calcium supplements are recommended for patients with vitamin D deficiency.
3 comment(s) so far...
Wouldn't u know it mines was 15.5...took 50,000 units tonight
By bneonurse10 on
5/18/2011
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Hi, the usual protocol is to take this dose once weekly for around 3 months and then repeat the test. It's good that you had the test done.
By emoore on
5/19/2011
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I am so glad I have found this info.!! Everyone else I had talked to, never heard of having a parathyroid issue when having graves!My calcium is a bit low, and PTH is a bit elevated. I am on 1,000 mg of vitamin D, last they checked my D level was 60. Most likely cause its summer. I also take 2,000 mg. of calcium daily!
By JBlove240 on
7/27/2011
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