Hypoparathyroidism is a rare disease characterized by hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia and a low or inappropriately normal serum parathyroid hormone level (PTH). The majority of cases are post surgical (75%) with nonsurgical causes accounting fo
r the remaining 25% of cases. A careful review is required to determine the etiology of the hypoparathyroidism in individuals with nonsurgical disease. Hypoparathyroidism is associated with significant morbidity and poor quality of life. Treatment requires close monitoring as well as patient education. Conventional therapy with calcium supplements and active vitamin D analogues is effective in improving serum calcium as well as in controlling the symptoms of hypocalcemia. Parathyroid hormone replacement is of value in lowering the doses of calcium and active vitamin D analogues required and may be of value in lowering long term complications of hypoparathyroidism. This manuscript addresses acute and chronic management of hypoparathyroidism in adults. Main conclusions; Hypoparathyroidism requires careful evaluation and pharmacologic intervention in order to improve serum calcium and control the symptoms of hypocalcemia. Frequent laboratory monitoring of the biochemical profile and patient education is essential to achieving optimal control of serum calcium. You can read the full article here.