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Pseudohypoparathyroidism
Pseudohypoparathyroidism is a genetic disorder in which the body is unable to respond to parathyroid hormone. Parathyroid hormone helps control calcium, phosphorous, and vitamin D levels in the bones and blood
Prevalence
1-9 / 1 000 000
331-2,979
US Estimated
513-4,622
Europe Estimated
Age of Onset
All ages
ICD-10
E20.1
Inheritance Pattern
Autosomal dominant
Autosomal recessive
Mitochondrial/Multigenic
X-linked dominant
X-linked recessive
Interest over time
Google searches
5 Facts you should know
FACT
Pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) is a rare inherited endocrine disorder characterized by resistance to parathyroid hormone (PTH), leading to hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and elevated PTH levels despite normal parathyroid gland function
FACT
The condition arises most commonly from inactivating mutations in the GNAS gene, which disrupts Gsα protein signaling in the PTH receptor pathway
FACT
Clinical manifestations vary depending on subtype: some patients present with Albright’s hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO) features (short stature, brachydactyly, obesity), while others have only biochemical abnormalities without skeletal changes
FACT
Beyond PTH resistance, some forms of PHP also involve resistance to other hormones that act through Gsα–cAMP signaling, such as TSH, gonadotropins, and GHRH, leading to hypothyroidism, hypogonadism, or growth hormone deficiency
FACT
Management includes calcium and vitamin D supplementation to correct hypocalcemia, along with careful monitoring for hormone deficiencies and associated complications across a patient’s lifetime
Common signs & symptoms
Hypocalcemia despite high PTH
Hyperphosphatemia
Muscle cramps, tetany, or seizures
Skeletal abnormalities
Obesity
Cognitive or developmental delays
Hormone resistance beyond PTH in some patients
Current treatments
Calcium and vitamin D supplementation
if hypocalcemia is present