Secondary hyperparathyroidism has several causes that are induced by an abnormality in the body's regulation of calcium. Most patients with this form of hyperparathyroidism also have chronic kidney failure. Kidney failure causes an abnormality in calcium regulation due to the body's inability to regulate calcium and phosphorus excretion in the urine.
Patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism are often initially treated with medications to prevent buildup of phosphorus in the body and to inhibit the parathyroid hormone from overproduction with the medication cincalcet.
Patients unresponsive to medication can have the parathyroid glands removed surgically, a highly successful and effective treatment. This operation often requires a longer hospital stay, because of the chronic nature of the disease and the need to closely monitor the patient's calcium levels following the procedure.