Hypoparathyroidism in chronic alcohol intoxication: a preliminary report
Manfredini, R.; Bariani, L.; Bagni, B.; Cavallini, A.R.; Gallerani, M.; Salmi, R.; Pasin, M.; Cecchetti, E.; Rosini, M.; Franceschini, F.
Rivista Europea Per le Scienze Mediche e Farmacologiche 14(5): 293-296
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0392-291X PMID: 1308958 Document Number: 390003
It is well known that osteoporosis is more common in chronic alcoholists than in age-matched controls. Possible aetiological factors could be: malabsorption of calcium and vitamin D, liver disease, abnormal parathyroid function. With this study, the authors investigated parathyroid hormone (PTH) behaviour in thirteen selected patients with alcohol abuse, free from any clinical or humoral sign of hepatopathy, and in ten healthy subjects as a control group. In alcohol abusers a significant reduction of plasmatic PTH, compared to normal calcium levels were found. A possible direct interaction effect between ethyl alcohol and PTH may be suggested, even if further studies are required.