A review on rare endocrine disorder –hypoparathyroidism

Hypoparathyroidism is arare endocrine disorder characterized by low calcium and high phosphate levels. Hypoparathyroidism has been classified as an orphan disease in the United States and by the European Commission. Many clinicians have limited experience or expertise in treating this specialized disorder. Until recently the only treatment options available for chronic hypoparathyroidism included calcium supplements, activated vitamin D and thiazide diuretics. In the last few years recombinant human (rh) PTH has been approved for the treatment of hypoparathyroidism and is a useful therapeutic option for patients with suboptimal calcium levels inspite of high dose calcium and activated vitamin D.Based upon current evidence, a set of guidelinesis proposed to help clinicians to diagnose, evaluate, and manage this disorder. This document should be helpful to all who are or will become interested in hypoparathyroidism.It not only provides a summary of our current knowledge of hypoparathyroidism but also places recent advances in its management into a context that should enhance future advances in our understanding of this disorder.