Hypoparathyroidism update.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Since the release of the 2022 Second International Workshop Evaluation and Management of Hypoparathyroidism Summary Statement and Guidelines, updates and advances are now available in the cause, complications, and treatment of adult chronic hypoparathyroidism (hypoPTH). This review aims to highlight these new findings and implications to patient care.

Recent findings: Postsurgical hypoparathyroidism remains the most common cause, immune-related hypoparathyroidism from checkpoint inhibitors is an emerging autoimmune cause. In a large retrospective cohort study of thyroidectomies, incident fracture was lower, particularly in the vertebra, in the hypoPTH cohort, compared with postthyroidectomy control group. Hypercalciuria increases risk for renal calculi in hypoPTH independent of disease duration and treatment dose. Quality of life is impaired in hypoPTH patients on conventional therapy, improvement was noted post-PTH replacement. TranCon PTH phase 3 RCT reported eucalcemia with reduced renal calcium excretion, normalization of bone turn-over markers, stable BMD and improved quality of life.

Summary: HypoPTH is a chronic disease associated with significant morbidity and poor Quality of Life. Awareness of treatment targets and follow-up investigations can alleviate patient anxiety regarding over-treatment and under-treatment. Progress in long-acting PTH replacement strategies might provide accessible, feasible alternatives to conventional therapy in brittle hypoPTH patients.