A Case of a 25-Year-Old Woman with Congenital Pseudohypoparathyroidism and Hypothyroidism with Prediabetes

Introduction:
Pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) is a group of rare disorders, with fewer than 60 clinically-confirmed cases worldwide by 2016. PHP and related disorders mostly result from the genetic and/or epigenetic changes that cause end-organ parathyroid hormone resistance with a cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) generator down-regulation. These changes are often associated with the GNAS gene. PHP type IA tends to present with hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, elevated PTH levels and Albright hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO). Clinical features of AHO are obesity, round face, short stature, brachydactyly (BD), subcutaneous ossifications and mental retardation. PHP is associated with increased risk for metabolic syndrome and diabetes with related complications.

Case Description:
We present a case of a 25-year-old woman, who was referred to the adult Endocrinology clinic for management of PHP type IA and hypothyroidism by her primary care provider who was managing her condition for the last 7 years. She was last evaluated by her pediatric endocrinologist at age 18. She was initially diagnosed with PHP and hypothyroidism at age 7 after a syncopal episode requiring hospitalization. She had severely low serum calcium and elevated thyroid stimulating hormone levels upon diagnosis.  She has a past medical history of seizures as a child. There is no family history of PHP. On physical examination, she had a round face with short stature, shortened chubby extremities and absent knuckles in all except index fingers of both hands. She weighed 173 pounds with a height of 62 inches and a BMI of 31.64. She is currently taking 150 mcg oral once daily levothyroxine, 0.25 mcg oral once daily calcitriol and calcium carbonate 625 mg oral four times per day.

Laboratory investigations: Her TSH is 3.4, serum calcium is 8.7mg/dl, intact parathyroid hormone level is 169.4 picograms/milliliter. Her 25-OH-vitamin D level is low at 14.8 nanogram/milliliter. Her serum Phosphorus is high at 5.3 mg/dl and her HbA1c is high at 5.8 mg/dl. Her lipid profile is normal except for a low level of HDL at 35 mg/dl.

Discussion:
Patients with PHP are at higher risk for weight gain, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia and hypertension. Our patient with PHP and prediabetes was referred to the dietitian for nutrition education. Increasing physical activity was recommended. Vitamin D deficiency was treated with a high dose vitamin D course. Calcium and calcitriol treatments were continued. We conclude that patients with PHP should transition from pediatric endocrinology to adult endocrinology in a timely fashion for regular follow-ups to avoid morbidity and mortality. Educational programmes, as well as psychological support, should be provided to patients and families even in the presence of a normal BMI as a preventive strategy.