Define Hypoparathyroidism

Hypoparathyroidism or a decrease in the secretion of parathormone causes an upset in calcium metabolism. Hypocalcemia develops and the muscles go into a type of spasm known as tetany. Muscle spasms of the hands and feet are termed as carpopedal spasm. Also, there is twitching of the face and eye muscles. In infants and children, spasm of the muscles of the larynx (laryngismus strodulus) occurs accompanied by cyanosis. After a pause, without breathing, a sharp inspiration occurs accompanied by a high-pitched crowing sound.

Hypoparathyroidism occurs very rarely and may be due to the removal of the parathyroid gland in error during the operation of thyroid gland or removal of the parathyroid gland when the thyroid gland is malignant or some defects in the gland for which it is unable to secrete parathormone.