Clinical presentation and management of hypoparathyroidism

The clinical manifestations of hypoparathyroidism are variable and can involve almost any organ system. The main clinical features of the hypoparathyroidism are typically signs or symptoms due to neuromuscular irritability owing to low serum calcium level. In addition to hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia can contribute to long-term complications, including extra-skeletal calcifications. Bone turnover markers are generally decreased, and bone mass density is usually normal-increased compared to age- and gender-matched controls. It is still unclear whether or not these bone features could have an impact on the risk of fracture. Impaired renal function is a common complication described in patients treated for hypoparathyroidism. Other complications include premature cataracts, seizures, basal ganglia calcifications, and cardiac arrhythmias. Lastly, some clinical studies have also reported a reduced quality of life of patients with hypoparathyroidism. Increased awareness of the clinical manifestations of this disease is important to improve its clinical management.