What is familial benign hypercalcaemia?
This is an uncommon condition which in the past has been confused with primary hyperparathyroidism. In fact a few patients with this have had operations on the parathyroid glands before the real problem was identified. Familial benign hypercalcaemia is caused by an inborn defect of the setting of the parathyroid glands in their control of the blood calcium level. The blood calcium is usually a little higher than normal but the condition is harmless if it is correctly identified. No treatment is needed, as there is no significance for long-term health. Why may parathyroid underactivity occur? This is known as hypoparathyroidism and most commonly occurs after operations on the neck in connection with disorders of the thyroid or larynx. The glands may be removed or their blood supply impaired. Sometimes, when an extensive operation is needed, it is impossible for the surgeon to preserve the parathyroids. How is hypoparathyroidism treated? The usual treatments involve either vitamin D (cal
