HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

How Can Hyperparathyroidism And Osteoporosis Be Treated?

I am a senior. My issue is in respect to the chronic formation of staghorn kidney stones for several decades now. I am concerned as to why my nephrologist continues to treat the problem rather than investigate the root source of the problem. (i.e., what is going on with the function of my parathyroid, or thyroid glands). I continue to question why not enough has been done to re-examine this case, since I was diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism over 25 years ago. Two years ago I was also diagnosed with osteoporosis. Just one week ago on Feb 24, 2017, I was informed by my family physician that my bone density is now a serious concern at 3.3. I was told my bones are brittle. How does the patient deal with this situation when the proper care had been been addressed before now. How can I get proper answers to my questions?
Tue, 20 Nov 2018
Report Abuse
Internal Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Hi,

Surgical excision of the abnormal parathyroid tissue is the definitive therapy for this disease of hyperparathyroidism (most likely primary in your case). The formation of recurrent large calculi (staghorn) may lead to urinary tract obstruction, infection, and loss of renal function.

Medical surveillance without operation is still preferred by some physicians and patients, particularly when the patients are more elderly (you are senior.)

Concerns about skeletal (severe osteoporosis and high risk of fragility fracture) and renal manifestation (recurrent nephrolithiasis) of the disease favors surgical management.

New surgical strategies that feature a minimally invasive approach guided by improved preoperative localization and intraoperative monitoring by PTH assays has lowered the threshold for surgery. Once hypocalcemia signifies successful surgery, patients can be put on a high-calcium intake or be given oral calcium supplements.

If you do not opt for surgery, a medical therapy which can be considered is bisphosphonates. It increases bone mineral density significantly without changing serum calcium.

Calcimimetics (e.g., cinacalcet) which act via the calcium-sensing receptor, have been used to treat primary hyperparathyroidism in some patients when surgery is unsuccessful or contraindicated. These lower PTH secretion & lower calcium but do not affect bone mineral density. You can consult an Endocrinologist.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas,
Internal Medicine Specialist
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
How Can Hyperparathyroidism And Osteoporosis Be Treated?

Hi, Surgical excision of the abnormal parathyroid tissue is the definitive therapy for this disease of hyperparathyroidism (most likely primary in your case). The formation of recurrent large calculi (staghorn) may lead to urinary tract obstruction, infection, and loss of renal function. Medical surveillance without operation is still preferred by some physicians and patients, particularly when the patients are more elderly (you are senior.) Concerns about skeletal (severe osteoporosis and high risk of fragility fracture) and renal manifestation (recurrent nephrolithiasis) of the disease favors surgical management. New surgical strategies that feature a minimally invasive approach guided by improved preoperative localization and intraoperative monitoring by PTH assays has lowered the threshold for surgery. Once hypocalcemia signifies successful surgery, patients can be put on a high-calcium intake or be given oral calcium supplements. If you do not opt for surgery, a medical therapy which can be considered is bisphosphonates. It increases bone mineral density significantly without changing serum calcium. Calcimimetics (e.g., cinacalcet) which act via the calcium-sensing receptor, have been used to treat primary hyperparathyroidism in some patients when surgery is unsuccessful or contraindicated. These lower PTH secretion & lower calcium but do not affect bone mineral density. You can consult an Endocrinologist. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas, Internal Medicine Specialist