Secondary hyperparathyroidism

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Endocrine glands

Treatment involves correcting the underlying cause of the secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Patients with vitamin D deficiency are treated with vitamin D, or with other measures to correct malabsorption. Patients with cancer are usually treated surgically. Patients with chronic kidney failure are usually treated with calcium supplementation, phosphate restriction, and vitamin D analogs. Dialysis, kidney transplantation, or parathyroid surgery may be needed.

The outcome for secondary hyperparathyroidism depends on the underlying cause.

When treated, rickets generally has a good prognosis. Other causes of secondary hyperparathyroidism have variable outcomes.

Tertiary hyperparathyroidism may occur in some patients with kidney failure. In these cases, hypercalcemia (elevated levels of calcium) may develop with calcium supplementation, and surgery on the parathyroids may become necessary.

Renal osteodystrophy is another potential complication. This is a variable syndrome comprising osteomalacia, osteoporosis, secondary hyperparathyroidism, or osteosclerosis. Bone pain, weakness, and fractures are part of the syndrome.

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of this disorder, particularly if you are being treated for kidney disease.

Review Date: 08/08/2006
Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, MD, Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network