Question 12:
Hungry bone syndrome is associated with:
Hungry bone syndrome occurs post-parathyroidectomy in hyperparathyroidism patients, causing profound hypocalcemia as bones rapidly uptake calcium.
Correct Answer: (B) Hyperparathyroidism
Hungry bone syndrome (HBS) follows parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism, where sudden PTH drop triggers excessive bone mineralization, depleting serum calcium. Symptoms include tetany, arrhythmias, and seizures from hypocalcemia, often with low phosphate/magnesium.
Options Explanation
| Option | Association | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| (A) | Diabetes mellitus | Unrelated; diabetes involves hyperglycemia/insulin issues, not post-surgical hypocalcemia. |
| (B) | Hyperparathyroidism | Correct; severe primary cases cause bone hunger after gland removal, risking HBS in high-turnover bones. |
| (C) | Sodium | Irrelevant; sodium imbalances (e.g., hyponatremia) don’t define HBS mechanism. |
| (D) | Vitamin B | Incorrect; B-vitamin deficiencies cause neuropathy/anemia, not calcium uptake syndrome. |
Clinical Context
Risk factors include large adenomas, high preoperative PTH/calcium, and vitamin D deficiency; treatment needs IV calcium monitoring for days-weeks. In exams, link HBS to post-op hyperparathyroidism management.
