Parathyroid hormone therapy for hypoparathyroidism

Publication date: Available online 10 September 2014 Source:Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism Author(s): Natalie E. Cusano , Mishaela R. Rubin , John P. Bilezikian Hypoparathyroidism is a disease characterized by hypocalcemia and insufficient parathyroid hormone (PTH). It is a rare disorder that has been given an orphan disease designation in the United States and European Union. Hypoparathyroidism is the only endocrine deficiency disease for which the missing hormone, PTH, is not yet an approved therapy. Conventional therapy includes calcium and active vitamin D supplementation, often in large doses. Although serum calcium can be controlled with conventional therapy, it can be a challenge and, moreover, does not address other aspects of the disease, such as abnormal skeletal features and reduced quality of life. This review focuses on PTH replacement therapy in hypoparathyroidism, utilizing the full-length molecule PTH(1-84) as well as the fully active but truncated form PTH(1-34). PTH therapy addresses some aspects of the disease not ameliorated with conventional therapy.

Source: Best Practice and Research Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism - October 12, 2014 Category: Endocrinology Source Type: research