hungry bone syndrome
Severe hypocalcemia following parathyroidectomy due to rapid bone remineralization in patients with severe bone disease.
Full Definition
Hungry bone syndrome is a complication that can occur following successful parathyroidectomy in patients with severe preoperative bone disease and markedly elevated parathyroid hormone levels. After removal of hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue, the sudden normalization of PTH levels leads to rapid uptake of calcium and phosphate by demineralized bone, resulting in severe and prolonged hypocalcemia. This condition requires aggressive calcium and vitamin D supplementation and may necessitate prolonged hospitalization for monitoring and treatment.
Usage
Usage note: Use lowercase except when beginning a sentence. Consider 'bone hunger syndrome' as alternative.
In Context
- "The patient developed hungry bone syndrome requiring intensive calcium supplementation." — postoperative complication note
- "Preoperative bone density scores suggested high risk for hungry bone syndrome." — surgical risk assessment