Renal magnesium wasting, hypomagnesemic hypocalcemia, hypocalciuria and osteopenia in a patient with glycogenosis type II

We describe a patient with late-onset glycogenosis type II with renal magnesium wasting, hypomagnesemic hypocalcemia, hypocalciuria and osteopenia. He was admitted to our hospital for evaluation of lower limb weakness and mild deterioration of liver function. Serum magnesium and calcium were low with low-to-normal levels of PTH in the patient. Echocardiogram revealed marked concentric hypertrophy of the left ventricle. An X-ray film of his spine showed a thoracic (Th12) vertebral compression fracture. Bone mineral density of the lumbar spine L2-L4 showed a reduced value. Kidney, liver and muscle biopsies were performed. These were found to have histologic features consistent with glycogenosis type II. In addition, accumulation of PAS-positive material in the cytoplasmic vacuoles of the tubular epithelium was present only in the distal tubules. An oral magnesium supplement was useful in helping to correct the hypomagnesemia, despite the presence of renal magnesium wasting in our patient. Magnesium supplement was also sufficient to maintain normal serum calcium concentrations. However, the hypocalciuria persisted in our patient despite correction of hypomagnesemia. In conclusion, the consistent association between the glycogen accumulation in distal tubules, renal magnesium wasting, hypomagnesemic hypocalcemia and hypocalciuria, in the absence of other identifiable reasons, suggests a cause-and-result relationship. Also, the combination of renal magnesium wasting, hypomagnesemia and hypocalciuria is a picture similar to that of Gitelman's syndrome in our patient. The glycogen accumulation in distal tubules may cause renal magnesium wasting and hypocalciuria through tubular injury. Therefore, we may speculate that the present case has glycogenosis type II-associated Gitelman's-like syndrome.     

Disorders of calcium and magnesium balance: a physiology-based approach

Disorders of calcium and magnesium balance are physiologically interesting and clinically challenging. In this review, we attempt to bridge the gap between physiology and practice by providing a physiology-based approach to understanding hypocalcemia, hypercalcemia and hypomagnesemia. Calcium and, to a lesser extent, magnesium balance is achieved through a complex interplay between the parathyroid gland, bone, the intestine and the kidney. Our understanding of the molecular physiology of calcium and magnesium balance has grown considerably following the discovery of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) and the main intestinal and renal transporters for calcium and magnesium, namely, the transient receptor potential channels TRPV5, TRPV6 and TRPM6. The regulation of parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion by CaSR and the subsequent effects of PTH and vitamin D on TRPV5 constitute an increasingly characterized regulatory loop. In contrast, no truly magnesiotropic hormones have been identified, although the recently established interactions between the epidermal growth factor and TRPM6 suggest a possible candidate. Overall, the aim of this review is to illustrate the clinical disorders of calcium and magnesium balance from the perspective of their integrated physiology.     

Effects of Strontium Ranelate Administration on Calcium Metabolism in Female Patients with Postmenopausal Osteoporosis and Primary Hyperparathyroidism

We investigated possible changes of parameters of calcium metabolism induced by strontium ranelate (SR). Twenty-three patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis (PO) and 14 with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) were studied while taking 2 g/day of SR. Women with PO and 10 healthy age-matched control women were also daily supplemented with 1,000 mg calcium and 800 IU vitamin D. All subjects were studied at baseline and after 7 and 30 days; PO women and controls were also investigated at 180 and 360 days of treatment. Serum ionized calcium (iCa), phosphate (sP), magnesium, creatinine, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25[OH]D), 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25[OH]₂D), serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) were measured. In spot urine, we assessed calcium and phosphate over creatinine ratios (uCa/Cr, uP/Cr), calcium excretion (Ca ex) and renal phosphate threshold (TmP/GFR); in 24-h urine, calcium and magnesium over creatinine clearance ratios (CaCl/CrCl and MgCl/CrCl). In PO, SR administration was associated with a significant decrease of PTH and 1,25(OH)₂D levels but an increase of sP (p < 0.001). SR also significantly increased Ca/Cr, Ca ex, and TmP/GFR in spot urine and CaCl/CrCl in both spot and 24-h urine (p = 0.004 to <0.001). In PHPT, SR significantly decreased iCa and increased sP, slightly modifying PTH, 25(OH)D, and 1,25(OH)₂D values. Also in PHPT, Ca ex and CaCl/CrCl of spot and 24-h urine, as TmP/GFR, significantly increased (all p < 0.02). SR influenced the main parameters of calcium homeostasis, probably through the calcium-sensing receptor.     

Low-Turnover Bone Disease in Hypercalcemic Hyperparathyroidism After Kidney Transplantation

Hypercalcemia in persistent secondary hyperparathyroidism after kidney transplantation is considered to result from increased bone resorption. Bone biopsies' studies, however, have never been performed in these patients. Bone biopsies after double tetracycline labeling were obtained from 17 patients with hypercalcemic hyperparathyroidism and an estimated glomerular filtration rate > 30 mL/min/1.73 m2. Serologic bone markers, calcitriol, intact fibroblast growth factor-23 (iFGF-23), and serum and 24h urine concentration of calcium and phosphate were measured in all patients. Tubular maximum for phosphate corrected for GFR (TmP/GFR), and the fractional excretion of calcium (FeCa) were calculated. High-turnover renal osteodystrophy (ROD) was present in nine and low-turnover ROD in eight patients. The bone formation rate was significantly associated with bone alkaline phosphatase, c-telopeptide and osteocalcin. In patients with high turnover ROD, osteocalcin was also significantly higher than in patients with decreased bone formation. The FeCa was normal or below normal in 14/17 patients. TmP/GFR was below normal in all patients. Neither intact PTH nor iFGF-23 was associated with TmP/GFR, FeCa or any histomorphometric bone parameter. We conclude that hypercalcemia of posttransplant hyperparathyroidism can be associated with high or low turnover bone disease. Decreased calcium excretion suggests an additive tubular effect on hypercalcemia.     

The Role of Magnesium in Post-thyroidectomy Hypocalcemia

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypomagnesemia in patients undergoing thyroidectomy and evaluate the relationship of hypomagnesemia with transient and severe hypocalcemia.

Materials and methods

This was a prospective observational study of 50 patients undergoing thyroidectomy. Blood samples were collected pre- and postoperatively for calcium, albumin, magnesium, phosphorous and parathormone (PTH). Signs, symptoms of hypocalcemia and volume of intravenous fluids used perioperatively were documented. The statistical analysis was performed using STATA I/C 10.1.

Results

Preoperatively, twelve patients (24 %) had hypomagnesemia and one (2 %) hypocalcemia. On the first postoperative day, hypomagnesemia was seen in 70 % and hypocalcemia in 30 %. A similar trend was observed in the fall and rise of postoperative calcium and magnesium values (p = 0.41). Severe hypocalcemia was present in three patients (6 %). All three patients had a very low postoperative PTH (<2 pg/ml). Among them, two patients (66 %) had hypomagnesemia and their hypocalcemia responded to intravenous magnesium correction. Significant risk factors for postoperative hypocalcemia include a higher volume of fluid used perioperatively and low postoperative PTH (<8 pg/ml) (p = 0.01 and 0.03, respectively).

Conclusion

Preoperative hypomagnesemia (24 %) was prevalent in this cohort of patients. Postoperative hypomagnesemia is a common event (70 %) following total thyroidectomy, and magnesium levels tend to mimic the calcium levels postoperatively. The cause of hypocalcemia post-thyroidectomy in this study is mainly a factor of parathyroid function and fluid status. Severe hypocalcemia is a rare event, and hypomagnesemia is associated in the majority of these patients. The role of magnesium correction to alleviate severe hypocalcemia needs to be further studied.

     

The effect of calcitriol on fasting urine calcium loss and renal tubular reabsorption of calcium in patients with mild renal failure--actions of a permissive hormone

AIM: Renal production of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol is attenuated in early renal failure. Renal tubular reabsorption of calcium is diminished in moderate renal failure and we wished to see if this were true in the early stages and whether supplementary calcitriol would bring about correction. We were interested in the idea of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol being a permissive agent, operating indirectly. METHODS: We measured calcium-related variables, including calculated ultrafiltrable serum calcium, before and after calcitriol 0.5 microg daily for six days in 34 subjects with stable mild renal failure. RESULTS: The mean serum creatinine was 0.21 (+/- 0.08) mmol/l. The mean serum Ca++ was normal (1.18 mmol/l) but nine patients had values outside the normal range and in six cases, with low-normal serum Ca++ levels, there was a diminished tubular reabsorption. In five cases, basal serum Ca++ was mildly elevated. The coefficient of variation for serum Ca++ was 4.4%. PTH (1-84) levels were mildly elevated and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol levels low-normal. The urine Ca/Cr, representing net bone resorption, was elevated in six cases. After calcitriol, the mean serum Ca++ level rose slightly and the coefficient of variation decreased to 3.6%. Changes in Ca++ whether upward or downward were accounted for by minor alterations in tubular reabsorption and a tendency to less net bone resorption. The initial Ca++ predicted (negatively) the magnitude of the correction. Neither the prevailing PTH nor the 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol levels explained any of the observed changes. CONCLUSION: In early renal failure, there may be impaired regulation of serum Ca++. Despite elevated PTH, mild hypocalcemia may exist in the presence of increased net bone resorption relative to GFR. Hypocalcemia was accounted for by reduced renal tubular reabsorption of calcium which corrected after calcitriol. Net bone resorption tended to fall after calcitriol. Mild hypercalcemia, when present, was corrected by a reduction in tubular reabsorption. Calcitriol did not have a simple unidirectional effect but instead contributed to efficiency of the homeostatic mechanisms controlling the serum Ca++ set-point.     

Pathophysiology of Calcium,Phosphorus, and Magnesium Dysregulation in Chronic Kidney Disease

Calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium homeostasis is altered in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and hypermagnesemia are not seen until advanced CKD because adaptations develop. Increased parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion maintains serum calcium normal by increasing calcium efflux from bone, renal calcium reabsorption, and phosphate excretion. Similarly, renal phosphate excretion in CKD is maintained by increased secretion of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and PTH. However, the phosphaturic effect of FGF23 is reduced by downregulation of its cofactor Klotho necessary for binding FGF23 to FGF receptors. Intestinal phosphate absorption is diminished in CKD due in part to reduced levels of 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D. Unlike calcium and phosphorus, magnesium is not regulated by a hormone, but fractional excretion of magnesium increases as CKD progresses. As 60–70% of magnesium is reabsorbed in the thick ascending limb of Henle, activation of the calcium‐sensing receptor by magnesium may facilitate magnesium excretion in CKD. Modification of the TRPM6 channel in the distal tubule may also have a role. Besides abnormal bone morphology and vascular calcification, abnormalities in mineral homeostasis are associated with increased cardiovascular risk, increased mortality and progression of CKD.     

Direct effect of acute metabolic and respiratory acidosis on parathyroid hormone secretion in the dog.

Because both metabolic (Met Acid) and respiratory acidosis (Resp Acid) have diverse effects on mineral metabolism, it has been difficult to establish whether acidosis directly affects parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion. Our goal was to determine whether acute Met Acid and Resp Acid directly affected PTH secretion. Three groups of dogs were studied: control, acute Met Acid induced by HCl infusion, and acute Resp Acid induced by hypoventilation. EDTA was infused to prevent acidosis-induced increases in ionized calcium, but more EDTA was needed in Met Acid than in Resp Acid. The PTH response to EDTA-induced hypocalcemia was evaluated also. Magnesium needed to be infused in groups receiving EDTA to prevent hypomagnesemia. The half-life of intact PTH (iPTH) was determined during hypocalcemia when PTH was measured after parathyroidectomy. During normocalcemia, PTH values were greater (p < 0.05) in Met Acid (92 +/- 19 pg/ml) and Resp Acid (77 +/- 22 pg/ml) than in controls (27 +/- 5 pg/ml); the respective pH values were 7.23 +/- 0.01, 7.24 +/- 0.01, and 7.39 +/- 0.02. The maximal PTH response to hypocalcemia was greater (p < 0.05) in Met Acid (443 +/- 54 pg/ml) than in Resp Acid (267 +/- 37 pg/ml) and controls (262 +/- 48 pg/ml). The half-life of PTH was greater (p < 0.05) in Met Acid than in controls, but the PTH secretion rate also was greater (p < 0.05) in Met Acid than in the other two groups. In conclusion, (1) both acute Met Acid and Resp Acid increase PTH secretion when the ionized calcium concentration is normal; (2) acute Met Acid may increase the bone efflux of calcium more than Resp Acid; (3) acute Met Acid acts as a secretogogue for PTH secretion because it enhances the maximal PTH response to hypocalcemia.     

Tumoral calcinosis: Evidence for concurrent defects in renal tubular phosphorus transport and in 1α,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol synthesis

Summary A 50-year-old Latin American man with tumoral calcinosis presented with hyperphosphatemia (6.62±1.04 SD mg/dl), elevated renal threshold phosphorus concentration (TmP) (7.3 mg/GFR), and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)₂D] (69 pg/ml) hypercalciuria (239 mg/day), and a high fractional intestinal calcium (Ca) absorption (0.74). Sodium cellulose phosphate therapy (20 g/day) lowered urinary Ca, and partially reduced serum phosphorus (P) and TmP to 5.91±0.63 mg/dl and 6.2 mg/GFR, respectively. Serum 1,25-(OH)120D remained elevated at 58–64 pg/ml. Amphojel therapy (4 oz/day) decreased urinary P to 23±21 mg/day and lowered serum P to 5.75±0.36 mg/dl (P<0.05). TmP increased to a value of 8.0 mg/GFR while serum 1,25-(OH)₂D continued to remain elevated at 53 pg/ml. This case illustrates the probable operation of dual abnormalities in tumoral calcinosis represented by augmented renal conservation of P and an elevation in the circulating concentration of 1,25-(OH)₂D.     

Surgical management of secondary hyperparathyroidism

Most patients with renal failure maintained on chronic dialysis have elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels and PTH-mediated bone disease (secondary hyperparathyroidism [sHPT]). Elevated PTH production in this setting represents a progressive, exaggerated physiologic response to hypocalcemia by the parathyroid glands, and generalized growth of the parathyroids is an adaptive response to chronic stimulation. Effective medical strategies to reduce PTH secretion and PTH-mediated bone turnover in sHPT (eg, controlling hyperphosphatemia, normalizing serum calcium, and administering vitamin D analogs) has decreased the need for parathyroidectomy in recent years. However, failure of medical therapy because of inadequate treatment, persistent hyperphosphatemia, or acquired parathyroid neoplasia still leads to recommendations for parathyroidectomy in select patients. Furthermore, increased awareness of potential long-term, irreversible cardiovascular effects of uncorrected hyperparathyroidism has led some to advocate parathyroidectomy earlier in the course of this disease. This monograph will review parathyroidectomy for secondary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism.     

Treatment of reduced bone density with ibandronate in dialysis patients

Bisphosphonates inhibit bone resorption and are widely used to treat osteolytic metastases and osteoporosis. Renal osteodystrophy patients have continuous bone loss due to chronically elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH). In this open-label study, ibandronate was evaluated for the treatment of reduced bone density in renal osteodystrophy. Patients (n=16) with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and regular hemodialysis schedules were recruited. All patients had low bone mineral density (BMD; lumbar spine T-score <-1.0) and elevated PTH levels (>2-fold higher than normal). Patients received ibandronate 2 mg every 4 weeks for 48 weeks. Serum levels of markers of bone turnover, calcium, phosphate and magnesium were determined (week 0 [prior to treatment] vs. at week 48). BMD (n=11) increased significantly from 88.94 +/- 31.68 mg/mL calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) to 93.51 +/- 35.36 mg/mL CaHA (p=0.032). T-scores increased significantly from -3.08 +/- 1.11 to -2.78 +/- 1.27 (p<0.01). The mean PTH level initially increased before dropping to 18.99 pmol/L at week 48 (7.99% decrease vs. week 0; not significant). Bone turnover markers decreased, whereas calcium and magnesium levels remained stable and within normal ranges. Phosphate levels were variable throughout the study. Two patients did not complete the study, and 3 patients died due to concomitant cardiovascular disease. Calcitriol dosage increased from 1.5 to 1.83 microg/week. In patients with renal osteodystrophy and ESRD, ibandronate significantly increased BMD and decreased bone turnover.     

Novel TRPM6 mutations in 21 families with primary hypomagnesemia and secondary hypocalcemia

Primary hypomagnesemia with secondary hypocalcemia is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by profound hypomagnesemia associated with hypocalcemia. Pathophysiology is related to impaired intestinal absorption of magnesium accompanied by renal magnesium wasting as a result of a reabsorption defect in the distal convoluted tubule. Recently, mutations in the TRPM6 gene coding for TRPM6, a member of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family of cation channels, were identified as the underlying genetic defect. Here, the results of a TRPM6 mutational analysis of 21 families with 28 affected individuals are presented. In this large patient cohort, a retrospective clinical evaluation based on a standardized questionnaire was also performed. Genotype analysis revealed TRPM6 mutations in 37 of 42 expected mutant alleles. Sixteen new TRPM6 mutations were identified, including stop mutations, frame-shift mutations, splice-site mutations, and deletions of exons. Electrophysiologic analysis of mutated ion channels after heterologous expression in Xenopus oocytes proved complete loss of function of TRPM6. Clinical evaluation revealed a homogeneous clinical picture at manifestation with onset in early infancy with generalized cerebral convulsions. Initial laboratory evaluation yielded extremely low serum magnesium levels, low serum calcium levels, and inadequately low parathyroid hormone levels. Treatment usually consisted of acute intravenous magnesium supplementation leading to relief of clinical symptoms and normocalcemia, followed by lifelong oral magnesium supplementation. Serum magnesium levels remained in the subnormal range despite adequate therapy. This is best explained by a disturbed magnesium conservation in the distal convoluted tubule, which emerged in all patients upon magnesium supplementation. Delay of diagnosis resulted in permanent neurologic damage in three patients.     

Influence of magnesium supplementation on bone turnover in the normal young mouse

The effect of magnesium (Mg) supplementation on bone metabolism has been studied in the normal young mouse. Weanling male mice were given Mg-supplemented drinking water (5 mM or 32 mM Mg) for 4 weeks. Mineral and skeletal changes were assessed by biochemical methods and by histomorphometric analysis of endosteal bone formation and resorption parameters evaluated on tetracycline double-labeled, undecalcified caudal vertebrae. Magnesium supplementation increased serum and urinary Mg concentrations and bone Mg content. Both the calcification rate and the extent of tetracycline double-labeled osteoid surface increased progressively in Mg-treated mice, whereas the mineralization lag time was shortened. The osteoblastic surface was reduced, leading to a fall in osteoid surface. Stimulation of bone mineralization was associated with a rise in extracellular calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) concentrations whereas serum 25-OHD and 1,25(OH)2D levels remained normal. The Mg supplementation increased the number of acid phosphatase stained chondroclasts and osteoclasts and the extent of resorbing surface showing histochemically stained osteoclasts. Although urinary OH-proline increased above normal, Ca, P, and cyclic adenylic acid (cAMP) excretion and phosphate concentration (TmP/GFR) remained normal, suggesting that parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion was not altered. The trabecular bone volume remained normal, showing that the increased bone resorption was balanced by the stimulated bone mineralization. The results show that Mg supplementation influenced both bone formation and resorption in the young mouse, and that the stimulation of bone mineralization was the result of increased extracellular mineral availability.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Parathyroid Hormone Secretory Response to EDTA-Induced Hypocalcemia in Black and White Premenopausal Women

One consistent racial difference in mineral homeostasis is increased efficiency of renal calcium conservation in blacks which could account, in part, for differences in bone density and fracture risk. Since parathyroid hormone (PTH) is the major regulator of calcium homeostasis, we investigated its secretion in black and white women in response to hypocalcemia. Two hour EDTA infusions (50 mg/kg) were performed in 34 premenopausal women (17 black, 17 white). Blood was sampled at 30-minute intervals during the infusion, at 60-minute intervals for 3 more hours, and at 24 hours. Serum ionized calcium decreased identically in both groups with a nadir at 2 hours and returned to baseline within 24 hours. Serum 1-84 PTH levels rose similarly in both groups with a peak PTH level that was slightly higher in black women, and on average, slightly earlier than that in white women. Serum PTH levels remained elevated in both groups at 24 hours with no overall group differences in PTH response. In black, but not white women, serum 25OHD levels correlated negatively with both basal PTH and peak PTH level, achieved with infusion. Serum 1,25(OH)₂D levels rose and osteocalcin levels decreased, with no group differences. We conclude that overall, premenopausal black women show no clear differences in PTH secretory activity to an EDTA-induced hypocalcemic stimulus. Basal vitamin D status appeared to be a determinant of the degree of the PTH response in black women, with the peak PTH level being inversely correlated with levels of 25OHD. Since we have previously shown that the skeleton contributes less to acute calcium needs in blacks than in whites, the lack of a racial difference in PTH secretory responsivity suggests that calcium homeostasis is more likely maintained in blacks through greater PTH sensitivity at extraskeletal sites, such as the kidney. Received: 31 August 1998 / Accepted: 12 March 1999     

Calcilytic Ameliorates Abnormalities of Mutant Calcium‐Sensing Receptor (CaSR) Knock‐In Mice Mimicking Autosomal Dominant Hypocalcemia (ADH)

Activating mutations of calcium‐sensing receptor (CaSR) cause autosomal dominant hypocalcemia (ADH). ADH patients develop hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and hypercalciuria, similar to the clinical features of hypoparathyroidism. The current treatment of ADH is similar to the other forms of hypoparathyroidism, using active vitamin D₃ or parathyroid hormone (PTH). However, these treatments aggravate hypercalciuria and renal calcification. Thus, new therapeutic strategies for ADH are needed. Calcilytics are allosteric antagonists of CaSR, and may be effective for the treatment of ADH caused by activating mutations of CaSR. In order to examine the effect of calcilytic JTT‐305/MK‐5442 on CaSR harboring activating mutations in the extracellular and transmembrane domains in vitro, we first transfected a mutated CaSR gene into HEK cells. JTT‐305/MK‐5442 suppressed the hypersensitivity to extracellular Ca²⁺ of HEK cells transfected with the CaSR gene with activating mutations in the extracellular and transmembrane domains. We then selected two activating mutations locating in the extracellular (C129S) and transmembrane (A843E) domains, and generated two strains of CaSR knock‐in mice to build an ADH mouse model. Both mutant mice mimicked almost all the clinical features of human ADH. JTT‐305/MK‐5442 treatment in vivo increased urinary cAMP excretion, improved serum and urinary calcium and phosphate levels by stimulating endogenous PTH secretion, and prevented renal calcification. In contrast, PTH(1‐34) treatment normalized serum calcium and phosphate but could not reduce hypercalciuria or renal calcification. CaSR knock‐in mice exhibited low bone turnover due to the deficiency of PTH, and JTT‐305/MK‐5442 as well as PTH(1‐34) increased bone turnover and bone mineral density (BMD) in these mice. These results demonstrate that calcilytics can reverse almost all the phenotypes of ADH including hypercalciuria and renal calcification, and suggest that calcilytics can become a novel therapeutic agent for ADH. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.     

Association of increased active PTH(1–84) fraction with decreased GFR and serum Ca in predialysis CRF patients: modulation by serum 25-OH-D

Summary As the serum calcium and glomerular filtration rate decreased, the proportion of active PTH(1–84) molecules in PTH immunoreactivity increased in serum from predialysis uremic patients, particularly those with vitamin D insufficiency. Introduction The PTH(1–84) fraction was altered in predialysis patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). Methods Serum PTH in predialysis CRF patients without any medication was measured by PTH(1–84)-specific whole PTH assay and intact PTH assay cross-reacting with N-truncated PTH. Results In CRF patients, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) correlated positively with serum Ca and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)₂D), and inversely with serum Pi, log intact PTH, and log whole PTH. In multiple regression analysis, including age, gender, body mass index, GFR, Ca, and Pi and 1,25(OH)₂D as independent variables, serum Ca and GFR associated significantly with serum log whole PTH and intact PTH. Serum log whole PTH/intact PTH ratio, which increased as serum Ca and GFR decreased, retained a negative correlation in those with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels below 20 ng/ml, but not in those above 20 ng/ml. The ratio also correlated positively with serum log tartrate-resistant acid-phosphatase-5b, log cross-linked N-telopeptide of type-I collagen, and log bone alkaline-phosphatase. Conclusion As GFR declined with suppression of serum Ca, the proportion of active PTH molecules increased in predialysis CRF patients, particularly those with vitamin D insufficiency.     

Bone mineral density and biochemical markers of bone turnover in patients with predialysis chronic renal failure.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic bone disease might commence early in the course of renal failure. This study therefore examined the frequency and severity of the skeletal changes in predialysis chronic renal failure by measurements of bone mineral density (BMD), biochemical markers of bone turnover (osteocalcin, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, carboxy terminal propeptide of type I collagen, and carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen), parathyroid hormone (PTH), ionized calcium (Ca++), phosphate (P), and vitamin D metabolites. METHODS: The study was performed in 113 patients (male/female: 82/31) with chronic renal diseases [mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 37 ml/min] and in 89 matched, normal control subjects. RESULTS: The patients had significantly (P<0.05) reduced BMD in the spine (-6.3%), the femur (-12.1%), the forearm (-5.7%), and the total body (-4.2%) as compared with the control subjects. Dividing the patients into quartiles according to GFR revealed that BMD decreased with the gradual decline in renal function at all the measured skeletal sites, but was most pronounced in the femur: 0.63+/-0.03, 0.74+/-0.02, 0.77+/-0.02, and 0.82+/-0.03 g/cm2 in each quartile from lowest to highest GFR compared with 0.82+/-0.02 g/cm2 in the control group (P<0.0001). All of the measured bone markers showed increasing plasma levels with the more advanced stages of renal failure. Serum PTH and serum P levels increased, whereas serum Ca++ and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D decreased. BMD Z-scores of the femur and of the forearm correlated to the biochemical markers and to PTH (P<0.05 to P<0.0001). The biochemical markers all showed strong correlations to PTH, also when corrected for the effect of the decline in GFR (r = 0.40 to 0.92, P<0.01 to P< 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Skeletal changes are initiated at an early stage of chronic renal failure, as estimated from reduced BMD and elevated levels of PTH and from the biochemical markers of both bone formation and bone resorption.     

Nephrolithiasis in a neonate with transient renal wasting of calcium and magnesium

Following an uneventful full-term pregnancy, a 3-day-old girl presented with a focal seizure. Serological evaluation revealed hypomagnesemia and hypocalcemia. Renal ultrasonography performed because of hematuria showed bilateral nephrolithiasis. Renal wasting of calcium and magnesium was detected and urine citrate excretion was low. The hypocalcemia was refractory to calcium therapy, but responded briskly to magnesium supplementation. After 8 weeks of treatment with magnesium and calcium supplementation plus potassium citrate, the hypomagnesemia and hypocalcemia normalized spontaneously, as did the urinary calcium, magnesium, and citrate excretion. We speculate that our patient had a transient tubular defect in the thick ascending loop of Henle. Received: 22 May 2001 / Revised: 3 December 2001 / Accepted: 3 December 2001     

Excessive Decrease in Serum Magnesium After Total Thyroidectomy for Graves’ Disease Is Related to Development of Permanent Hypocalcemia

Background

Transient postoperative hypocalcemia is one of the most common complications after thyroidectomy. Permanent hypocalcemia, however, is rare, but usually requires life-long treatment and follow-up. The risk of permanent hypocalcemia has been shown to be significantly higher in patients with Graves’ disease. In the present study we evaluated short-term and long-term changes in serum calcium, phosphate, magnesium, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in order to characterize subjects at risk of postoperative hypoparathyroidism.

Methods

Forty patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for Graves’ disease were included in the study. Calcium, phosphate, magnesium, and PTH were measured before surgery and regularly during the year that followed.

Results

Postoperative hypocalcemia was seen in 21/40 (53 %) patients. Undetectable PTH (<0.6 pmol/L) was registered in 11/40 (27 %) patients. All patients with measurable PTH 6–48 h after operation regained normal calcium. Of those with undetectable PTH after 6–48 h, four developed permanent hypocalcemia. We found a significantly lower serum calcium level before operation in patients who developed permanent hypocalcemia compared to those who did not (p < 0.001). We also found a significant correlation between the decrease in serum magnesium from time 0 to 48 h after operation and permanent hypocalcemia (p = 0.015).

Conclusions

Serum calcium prior to operation, serum PTH, and degree of decrease in magnesium levels in serum 48 h after operation may predict development of permanent hypocalcemia. Magnesium plays an important role in calcium homeostasis via stimulation of PTH secretion and modulation of PTH receptor sensitivity. Both mechanisms may have played a role for the findings reported in this article.     

Severe hypercalcemic hyperparathyroidism developing in a patient with hyperaldosteronism and renal resistance to parathyroid hormone

We evaluated an African American woman referred in 1986 at age 33 years because of renal potassium and calcium wasting and chronic hip pain. She presented normotensive, hypokalemic, hypocalcemic, normophosphatemic, and hypercalciuric. Marked hyperparathyroidism was evident. Urinary cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) excretion did not increase in response to parathyroid hormone (PTH) infusion, indicating renal resistance to PTH. X‐rays and bone biopsy revealed severe osteitis fibrosa cystica, confirming skeletal responsiveness to PTH. Renal potassium wasting, suppressed plasma renin activity, and elevated plasma and urinary aldosterone levels accompanied her hypokalemia, suggesting primary hyperaldosteronism. Hypokalemia resolved with spironolactone and, when combined with dietary sodium restriction, urinary calcium excretion fell and hypocalcemia improved, in accord with the known positive association between sodium intake and calcium excretion. Calcitriol and oral calcium supplements did not suppress the chronic hyperparathyroidism nor did they reduce aldosterone levels. Over time, hyperparathyroid bone disease progressed with pathologic fractures and persistent pain. In 2004, PTH levels increased further in association with worsening chronic kidney disease. Eventually hypercalcemia and hypertension developed. Localizing studies in 2005 suggested a left inferior parathyroid tumor. After having consistently declined, the patient finally agreed to neck exploration in January 2009. Four hyperplastic parathyroid glands were removed, followed immediately by severe hypocalcemia, attributed to “hungry bone syndrome” and hypoparathyroidism, which required prolonged hospitalization, calcium infusions, and oral calcitriol. Although her bone pain resolved, hyperaldosteronism persisted. © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.