Hyperparathyroidism Induced Hypercalcemia

1. The location, structure, and function of the parathyroid glands.

2. The role, location, and regulation of calcium.

3. The demographics and symptoms of Hypercalcemia.

4. The prevention and treatments of Hypercalcemia.

5. The structure and function of a calcium sensing calcitonin bisphosphonate pump.

Calcium is a vital element necessary for the proper functioning of the body. It serves as a signaling molecule in the body and helps initiate functions such as exocytosis and muscle contraction. Calcium concentration in the body is controlled via the parathyroid gland. Parathyroid gland detects a change in calcium levels in the body and maintains homeostasis via negative feedback loop by controlling the release of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Release of PTH increases serum calcium levels. A condition known as hyperparathyroidism results in excess calcium ion concentration in the blood leading to a condition known as hypercalcemia. Currently, surgery and administration of drugs upon hospitalization is the only available treatment method. Two utilized drugs in the market are calcitonin and bisphosphonates. The goal of the project is to create a device to manage calcium levels in patients without hospitalization or in cases where a surgery is not feasible. The medical device works in a similar fashion to an insulin pump. The device has a calcium sensor to monitor patients ion levels at all times and contains Zoledronic acid and calcitonin. The device administers the appropriate drug based on the calcium levels in the body.

BMEN 3330 Project

Rogelio M. Armino and Akshay Rajeev Menon

Spring 2021