[Hypo- and hyperparathyroidism in pregnancy].

During pregnancy the maternal calcium metabolism is submitted to special loads. Overchallenging of the functional capacity of the parathyroid gland may evoke an insufficiency of the parathyroid gland which on its part induces a fetal secondary hyperparathyroidism. Therefore, the early diagnostic recognition of the insufficiency of the parathyroid gland is of importance, since (also in basic diseases known before pregnancy) now special therapeutic conditions are given. Maternal hyperparathyroidism leads to fetal hypoprarthyroidism with resulting developmental disturbances; it furthers the tendency to abortions and perinatal mortality. Epidemiological prospective investigations have shown that among the identified cases of oligo- or asymptomatic functional disturbances of the parathyroid glands there are very often women at an age, when they are capable of bearing children. This statement confirms the postule regularly to control serum calcium content during pregnancy. Objectifying the disturbed integrity of the calcium metabolism, therapeutic measures are necessary, the details of which are demonstrated according to own experiences. In such cases the cooperation between the gynaecologist being in charge of the pregnant woman and the internist working in the field of endocrinology is to be wished.