Chronic symptomatic hypocalcaemia - difficulties in diagnosis and treatment in rural Africa.
We describe a case of an African woman who had been misdiagnosed with peripheral neuropathy secondary to antiretroviral therapy. After clinical examination and laboratory investigation, an alternative diagnosis was made - chronic symptomatic hypocalcaemia secondary to hypoparathyroidism as a consequence of thyroid surgery approximately 30 years previously. We discuss the challenges faced by patients in areas with limited resources for the diagnosis and/or treatment of metabolic conditions such as this.
Jackson
Arthur
A
UNC Project, Infectious Diseases, Private Bag A-104, Lilongwe, Malawi. arthurjackson@yahoo.com
Namarika
Dan
D
D000328:Adult; D002118:Calcium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood*; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006996:Hypocalcemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D007011:Hypoparathyroidism / Q000150:complications*; D008295:Malawi; D012424:Rural Population; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage
D014815:Vitamins; D014807:Vitamin D; D002118:Calcium