Primary Neonatal Hyperparathyroidism—An Unusual Cause of Failure to Thrive

Abstract

The case of a 6-day-old infant with pathologic findings of primary neonatal hyperparathyroidism is presented. This is one of the youngest patients to be reported, and similar cases in the neonatal period are summarized. Suggestive signs and symptoms include hypotonia, weakness, weight loss, constipation, and vomiting. Serum calcium and phosphorus levels are diagnostic of this condition; electrocardiograms and bone roentgenograms are helpful adjuncts. Prompt suspicion and diagnosis may salvage infants with this rare condition, for surgical extirpation of the hyperplastic parathyroid glands is the treatment of choice.