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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

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ICD-10

E20.1

Inheritance Pattern

Autosomal dominant

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Autosomal recessive

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Mitochondrial/Multigenic

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X-linked dominant

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X-linked recessive

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Interest over time

Google searches

5 Facts you should know

FACT

1

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

2

The condition arises most commonly from inactivating mutations in the GNAS gene, which disrupts Gsα protein signaling in the PTH receptor pathway

FACT

3

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

4

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

5

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

Pseudohypoparathyroidism is also known as...

Pseudohypoparathyroidism is also known as:

  • Pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1a (when associated with hormone resistance)

  • PHP

  • Albright’s Hereditary Osteodystrophy (when skeletal features are present)

What’s your Rare IQ?

What biochemical finding is typical in Pseudohypoparathyroidism?

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

Hormone replacement therapies depending on specific resistances

Monitoring of calcium, phosphate, and PTH levels

Orthopedic interventions for skeletal abnormalities

Management of obesity