PTH Parathormone
PTH is used in in-depth diagnostics for ostheoperosis, calcium metabolism disorders, suspected hyper- or hypoparathyroidism, renal insufficiency, nephro- and urolithiasis, malabsorption syndrome
12/24 This test must be collected directly at the lab otherwise the pre-analysis for shipment is too complex: (Centrifuge EDTA blood within 30 minutes of collection, pipette the plasma into a separate tube (without additives) and freeze)
The test measures the amount ofPTH in blood.PTH is a hormone produced in the four parathyroid glands and plays an important role in regulating calcium.PTH is part of a feedback system consisting of calcium,PTH and vitamin D (phosphate and magnesium also play a role). When there is a shortage of calcium (hypocalcemia), the amount ofPTH increases, which causes the amount of calcium in the blood to rise to a normal value, after which the production ofPTH decreases again.
Disruption of this feedback system can lead to abnormal increases or decreases in the amount of calcium andPTH in the blood.
A PTH test is primarily used for:
- Diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism: This is a condition in which the parathyroid glands produce too much PTH, leading to high blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia) and low phosphorus.
- Diagnosis of hypoparathyroidism: In this condition, the parathyroid glands produce too little PTH, resulting in low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia) and high phosphorus levels.
- Assessment of abnormal calcium levels: The test helps determine whether abnormal calcium levels are due to problems with the parathyroid glands.
- Monitoring chronic kidney disease.
method used ECLIA
Reference ranges females: <4 years: 3.6 - 32 pg / ml
<6 years: 1.0 - 13 pg / ml
<8 years: 2.7 - 25 pg / ml
<10 years: 2.0 - 30 pg / ml
<12 years: 4.3 - 34 pg / ml
<14 years: 1.6 - 37 pg / ml
<16 years: 1.2 - 39 pg / ml
from 16 years: 15 - 65 pg/ml
Men: <4 years: 5.7 - 34 pg / ml<6
years: 4.4 - 16 pg / ml<8
years: 2.5-27 pg / ml<10
years: 4.6 - 34 pg / ml<12
years: 2.5-27 pg / ml<14
years: 1.4 - 26 pg / ml<16
years: 4.5 - 36 pg / mlfrom
16 years: 15 - 65 pg / ml
PTH elevated: hyperparathyroidism, pseudohypoparathyroidism, malabsorption syndrome
Symptoms of high PTH levels (hyperparathyroidism): joint and bone pain, frequent urination, increased thirst, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, kidney stones and mental health changes such as depression or confusion.
PTH lowered: hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D overdose, hyperthyroidism, tumor hypercalcemia, sarcoidosis
Symptoms of low PTH levels (hypoparathyroidism) include tingling in the lips, fingers or feet, muscle cramps, dry skin and brittle nails, confusion, seizures and irregular heartbeat.
Hyperparathyroidism and hypoparathyroidism are both conditions caused by the parathyroid glands:
Hyperparathyroidism: This is a condition in which the parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone (PTH). This often leads to elevated blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia). The most common cause is a benign tumor in one of the parathyroid glands, known as a parathyroid adenoma. Other causes may include hyperplasia (enlargement) of multiple parathyroid glands or more rarely, parathyroid cancer. Symptoms may include bone and joint pain, more frequent urination, increased thirst, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and kidney stones.
Hypoparathyroidism: This condition is characterized by insufficient production of PTH by the parathyroid glands, resulting in low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia). Hypoparathyroidism can be caused by damage to the parathyroid glands during surgery, certain genetic disorders, or autoimmune diseases. Symptoms may include tingling in fingers or toes, muscle cramps, dry skin, brittle nails, confusion, and in severe cases, seizures and cardiac arrhythmias.
Both conditions require medical attention to diagnose the underlying cause and institute appropriate treatment. For more information on these conditions, consult reliable medical sources.
The results of a PTH test should be interpreted by a health care provider, taking into account other test results, symptoms and medical history. Abnormal PTH levels may indicate various health conditions, and further testing may be needed to determine the cause.
To better understand the health of the parathyroid glands and the body's calcium balance, a Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) test can often be combined with the following additional tests:
- Calcium test: This measures the level of calcium in the blood, which is directly affected by PTH.
- Phosphate test: PTH and phosphate levels have an inverse relationship in the body; when PTH is high, phosphate levels are often low, and vice versa.
- Vitamin D test: Active vitamin D (calcitriol) is important for calcium absorption in the body and is regulated by PTH.
- Renal function tests: These can help assess the role of the kidneys in calcium and phosphorus balance, since PTH also affects kidney function.
- Magnesium test: Magnesium is required for proper function of the parathyroid glands, so abnormal magnesium levels can affect PTH production.
- Urinary calcium test: This can help determine the amount of calcium excreted by the kidneys.