MINERAL METABOLISM: STUDIES OF IMMUNOREACTIVE PARATHYROID HORMONE (IPTH) AND CALCITONIN (ICT) IN INFANTS AND CHILDREN

Abstract

Serum IPTH levels hare been determined in 114 normal children 2 mos. to 15 yrs. old and in 28 children with various disorders of Ca and bone metabolism. Serum IPTH levels in normal children were similar to those of normal adults ranging from non-detectable to 10 μl Eq/ml with 75% detectable levels. Normal levels were found in 2 cases of osteogenesis imperfecta, in 3 Turner's syndrome, and in 3 children with renal stones. High levels of serum IPTH (35 to 250 μl Eq/ml) were found in children with chronic renal disease and in children with hypocalcemia associated with a variety of syndromes, including congenital obstructive jaundice, hemolytic uremic syndrome, glomerulonephritis, nephotic syndrome, hemorrhage and massive transfusions, salicylate intoxication, and acute leukemia. The majority of normal newborns as well as newborns with hypocalcemia had non-detectable to low levels of IPTH during the first 48 to 72 hrs. of life. In another study, serum ICT levels were non-detectable (<50 pg/ml) in 18 normal children and in 2 children with hypercalcemia secondary to vitamin D toxicity. Non–detectable to low levels of ICT were found in normal newborns and in 3 newborns with hypocalcemic tetany. Elevated serum ICT with normal serum gastrin was found in a hypocalcemic 5–week old infant following a massive intestinal resection. The significance of these results will be discussed.

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