Presentation and management of hypoparathyroidism in a paediatric patient - a case report

Authors

  • Kanza Ateeque 4th year MBBS Student, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
  • Warisha Fatima 4th year MBBS Student, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
  • Iqra Rehman Department of Paediatrics, Dr. Ruth K.M. Pfau, Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
  • Maira Jamal Department of Paediatrics, Hamdard University Naimat Begum Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.6824

Abstract

Hypoparathyroidism occurs due to insufficient parathyroid gland activity leading to abnormal calcium and phosphate levels. The presentation of hypoparathyroidism is rare in adults and mostly encountered in the paediatric population. We present a case of a 3.5-month-old male infant with the presenting complaint of an episode of afebrile generalized tonic-clonic seizure. Haematological, urinary, cerebro-spinal fluid and radiological investigations were unremarkable but a biochemical profile revealed hypocalcaemia, hyperphosphataemia and lowered vitamin D3 levels. Parathyroid hormone profile showed a decreased level, confirming diagnosis of hypoparathyroidism. Intravenous administration of calcium and magnesium in combination with oral activated vitamin D3 and phosphate binders managed to resolve symptoms and maintain normal levels. The rationale of this case is to confirm the necessity of early diagnosis to prevent irreversible sequelae of hypocalcaemia and regular monitoring of treatment to avoid side-effects of medication.

Keywords: Child, preschool, Hypocalcaemia, Hyperphosphataemia, Hypoparathyroidism, Seizures

Author Biographies

Kanza Ateeque, 4th year MBBS Student, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan

4th year MBBS Undergraduate student Dow University of Health Sciences

Warisha Fatima, 4th year MBBS Student, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan

4th Year MBBS Undergraduate student Dow University of Health Sciences

Iqra Rehman, Department of Paediatrics, Dr. Ruth K.M. Pfau, Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan

FCPS Part II Paediatric Department Resident Dr. Ruth K.M. Pfau Civil Hospital

Maira Jamal, Department of Paediatrics, Hamdard University Naimat Begum Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan

Resident Medical Officer Paediatrics Department Hamdard University Naimat Begum Hospital

Published

2023-02-15

How to Cite

Ateeque, K., Fatima, W., Rehman, I., & Jamal, M. (2023). Presentation and management of hypoparathyroidism in a paediatric patient - a case report. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 73(3), 731–734. https://doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.6824

Issue

Section

Case Report