Secondary (Renal) & Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism

Secondary (Renal) & Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism

  • Overview
  • Appointments
  • Symptoms
  • Treatments
  • Locations
  • Doctors

    • What is secondary hyperparathyroidism?

    In secondary hyperparathyroidism, something in the body is causing the parathyroid glands to produce extra PTH. The glands are actually doing what they are supposed to do. If the problem elsewhere in the body can be corrected, the parathyroid glands go back to functioning normally. 

    Tertiary hyperparathyroidism

    In many patients who have undergone kidney transplants, parathyroid function returns to normal. In some patients, the parathyroid glands have functioned abnormally for so long while patients have kidney failure and are on dialysis, that parathyroid gland function never returns to normal.

    What are the causes of Secondary & Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism?

    Secondary hyperparathyroidism is caused by a vitamin D deficiency or renal failure.

    Tertiary hyperparathyroidism is usually the result of long-standing secondary hyperparathyroidism. 

    Appointment Information

    To make an appointment with one of our physicians, please see our locations section and choose the facility that's most convenient for you or your loved one.

    What are the symptoms of secondary hyperparathyroidism?

    In addition to symptoms seen with primary hyperparathyroidism, other signs, symptoms and complications of secondary hyperparathyroidism can develop, including:

    • Bone deformities, fractures and decreased bone density
    • Calcium deposition in the fat
    • Severe itching of the skin
    • Open non-healing wounds

    Severe secondary hyperparathyroidism can lead to calciphylaxis, which is a life-threatening condition. Calciphylaxis can lead to soft-tissue wounds that won't heal until the hyperparathyroidism is controlled. Chronic non-healing wounds can lead to widespread infection (sepsis) and death.

    How are secondary & tertiary hyperparathyroidism treated?

    Secondary hyperparathyroidism caused by deficiency of Vitamin D is easily treated with medication and does not require surgery. Secondary hyperparathyroidism due to renal failure can often be controlled with a medication called cinacalcet. When patients have been on dialysis for many years or cincalcet is unable to control PTH production, the PTH levels can be extremely high and may require parathyroid surgery. All four parathyroid glands are involved in this disease process.

    Patients with tertiary hyperparathyroidism are usually referred for parathyroid surgery.

    Locations
    • General Surgery Clinic | Taubman Center 1500 E Medical Center Dr
      Floor 2 Reception C
      Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5331       Get Directions
    • Geriatric Endocrinology Clinic | East Ann Arbor Health & Geriatrics Center 4260 Plymouth Rd
      Level 1
      Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2700       Get Directions
    • Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes Clinic | Domino's Farms 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Dr Ste 1300
      Lobby C
      Ann Arbor, MI 48105-9484       Get Directions

    Doctors

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    Nevin Nuray Ajluni, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Endocrinology, Internal Medicine

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    Cristina Alvarado Nieves, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Endocrinology, Internal Medicine

    David Tyler Broome, MD

    David Tyler Broome, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Endocrinology, Internal Medicine

    Debbie Wan Hua Chen, MD

    Debbie Wan Hua Chen, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Endocrinology, Internal Medicine

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    Tae-Hwa Chun, MD, PhD

    Associate Professor

    Endocrinology, Internal Medicine

    Gregory Adam Clines, MD, PhD

    Associate Professor

    Endocrinology, Internal Medicine

    Farah Daneshvar, DO

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Endocrinology, Internal Medicine

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    Liselle Douyon, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Endocrinology, Internal Medicine

    Nazanene Helen Esfandiari, MD

    Clinical Professor

    Endocrinology, Internal Medicine

    labcoat

    Nada Fanous, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Endocrinology, Internal Medicine

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