Hypoparathyroidism: Optimizing pharmacotherapeutic management strategies

Details

Hypoparathyroidism is a rare disorder characterized by decreased function of parathyroid glands resulting in low levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH). There are a variety of causes, including autoimmune disease, congenital defects, unintended parathyroid removal during thyroidectomy, or damage caused by radiation therapy. In a normal functioning parathyroid gland, PTH is secreted in response to low serum-ionized calcium. According to one study, nearly 60,000 people in the United States have been diagnosed with the disorder, with about 73% caused by surgery. Another study estimated the prevalence of primary hypoparathyroidism at 40 per 100,000 people in the United States.

Target Audience:

The following healthcare professionals: endocrinologists and primary care physicians; physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, and pharmacists who practice in endocrinology and internal medicine; and any other healthcare professionals with an interest in or who clinically encounter patients with hypoparathyroidism.

By the end of the session the participant will be able to:

• Describe the pathophysiology and manifestations of hypoparathyroidism and discuss how they may have relevance to treatment targets.
• Define patient-specific goals, identify treatments directly treating hypoparathyroidism, and incorporate both in the development of a treatment plan in patient cases.
• Describe goals and mainstays of supportive care in hypoparathyroidism and apply them to patient cases.
• Describe barriers to care in the optimal treatment of hypoparathyroidism and suggest strategies for ameliorating them.