Hungry bone syndrome is an uncommon metabolic syndrome characterized by prolonged and significant hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, and hypomagnesemia following surgical parathyroidectomy for severe primary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism. The condition results from the sudden decrease in parathyroid hormone release, resulting in increased mineral uptake by bones.
Risk factors for developing hungry bone syndrome include volume of parathyroid removed, elevated preoperative blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and/or older age. Signs and symptoms include proximal muscle weakness, fatigue, and vitamin D deficiency.
Calcium levels typically reach a low 2-4 days postoperatively and may remain decreased for up to 3 months.
Hungry bone syndrome
Synopsis
Codes
ICD10CM:
E83.81 – Hungry bone syndrome
SNOMEDCT:
237883001 – Hungry bones syndrome
E83.81 – Hungry bone syndrome
SNOMEDCT:
237883001 – Hungry bones syndrome
Look For
Subscription Required
Diagnostic Pearls
Subscription Required
Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
To perform a comparison, select diagnoses from the classic differential
Subscription Required
Best Tests
Subscription Required
Management Pearls
Subscription Required
Therapy
Subscription Required
References
Subscription Required
Last Reviewed:12/19/2019
Last Updated:03/12/2024
Last Updated:03/12/2024