Hypoparathyroidism: a rare cause of rickets seen in 7 years old male child

Abstract

Hypoparathyroidism is a rare condition which may occur either as an isolated disorder or in association with other autoimmune disorders. The incidence of hypoparathyroidism in the paediatric population is approximately 0.02%. Hypoparathyroidism should be kept in mind whenever a patient presents with late onset neonatal hypocalcemia or persistent hypocalcemia. Parathormone is important in maintaining calcium and phosphorus homeostasis in the body through its action on bone tissue and kidneys. Hypoparathyroidism could be either due to decreased production of the hormone or decreased peripheral action of the hormone on its target organs. Here, we present a case of a 7 years old male child who presented with complaints of bilateral lower limbs pain involving bilateral knee joints from the past 3 months along with short stature. After appropriate diagnostic work up, diagnosed as a case of rickets secondary to isolated hypoparathyroidism with short stature and started on 1-alfacalcidol 0.5 microgram and oral calcium at 100 ml/kg in two divided doses. On subsequent follow ups, patient responded to the therapy.