Endocrine Case Histories - Case 29
A 50-year-old male had a total thyroidectomy followed by thyroidhormone-replacement therapy. Thirty-six hours later he developedlaryngeal spasms, a mild tetany, and cramps in the muscles of thehands and arms. The following tests were performed:
Urine calcium 20 mg/dL
Urine phosphorus 0.1 g/day Plasma calcium 7.0 mg/dL Plasmaphosphorus 5.0 mg/dL
Calcium gluconate and vitamin D (calcitriol) were given orallyeach day and the tetany and laryngeal spasms were alleviated.
1. Discuss this patient’ blood values.
2. What endocrine gland’s functions are impaired in thiscase?
3. What endocrine disorder is present in this person?
4. What is the purpose of vitamin D administration with thecalcium?
5. What caused the tetany and laryngeal spasms?
6. Describe how blood calcium is normally maintained at itsphysiological level.
7. Does this patient require hormone replacement for this newcondition?
Discuss what could possibly happen if he were not treated with thishormone.
8. List all essential hormones.
