Diagnosis
Diagnosis is by measurement of calcium, serum albumin (for correction) and PTH in blood.
If necessary, measuring cAMP (cyclic AMP) in the urine after an intravenous dose of PTH can help in the distinction between hypoparathyroidism and other causes.
Differential diagnoses are:
- Pseudohypoparathyroidism (normal PTH levels but tissue insensitivity to the hormone, associated with mental retardation and skeletal deformities) and pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism (sic).
- Vitamin D deficiency or hereditary insensitivity to this vitamin (X-linked dominant).
- Malabsorption
- Kidney disease
- Medication: steroids, diuretics, some antiepileptics.
Other tests include ECG for abnormal heart rhythms, and measurement of blood magnesium levels.
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