question-icon

What Does "PTH 171 And Calcium Level Of 10.1" Indicate?

default
Posted on Fri, 7 Feb 2014
Twitter Fri, 7 Feb 2014 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 4 Mar 2014 Last reviewed on
Question : my last calcium level was 10.1 and pth 71 next test was calcim 9.8 and pth 171. I have many symptoms of parathyroism. Should i worry
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shehzad Topiwala (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Parathyroid Detailed Answer: Your calcium seems to be in the normal range although individual labs have slight variations in their reference ranges for normal based on the assay kits they purchase for testing method. The parathyroid levels are clearly elevated. There are 4 possibilities here: 1 Lithium is known to cause elevations in parathyroid and calcium. It typically improves after discontinuation of lithium. However, it is important to determine if this is feasible or not and therefore the prescribing physician must make that call as to whether it is safe to withdraw the medication 2 Low vitamin D levels in the blood can raise parathyroid hormone levels as a compensatory response. Testing for, and treating the low levels(if deficiency found) often normalizes the parathyroid levels. 3 The total calcium levels can sometimes be misleading. The true and most accurate calcium test for blood levels is called 'Ionized Calcium'. It is important to know if the calcium is also high or not because the treatment approach changes. 4 There is an uncommon condition called FHH in which the PTH calcium rise modestly. It does not require any treatment. This condition is best diagnosed by an endocrinologist who usually will check magnesium levels in the blood along with a special type of urine calcium/creatinine testing.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shehzad Topiwala

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 1663 Questions

Ask a specialist now
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask an Endocrinologist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

183 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
What Does "PTH 171 And Calcium Level Of 10.1" Indicate?

Brief Answer: Parathyroid Detailed Answer: Your calcium seems to be in the normal range although individual labs have slight variations in their reference ranges for normal based on the assay kits they purchase for testing method. The parathyroid levels are clearly elevated. There are 4 possibilities here: 1 Lithium is known to cause elevations in parathyroid and calcium. It typically improves after discontinuation of lithium. However, it is important to determine if this is feasible or not and therefore the prescribing physician must make that call as to whether it is safe to withdraw the medication 2 Low vitamin D levels in the blood can raise parathyroid hormone levels as a compensatory response. Testing for, and treating the low levels(if deficiency found) often normalizes the parathyroid levels. 3 The total calcium levels can sometimes be misleading. The true and most accurate calcium test for blood levels is called 'Ionized Calcium'. It is important to know if the calcium is also high or not because the treatment approach changes. 4 There is an uncommon condition called FHH in which the PTH calcium rise modestly. It does not require any treatment. This condition is best diagnosed by an endocrinologist who usually will check magnesium levels in the blood along with a special type of urine calcium/creatinine testing.