Marisa Wexler, MS,  senior science writer—

People with hypoparathyroidism after surgical removal of the thyroid may develop calcium-alkali syndrome (CAS) — particularly if they are given high doses of vitamin D as a part of post-surgical care, a new study suggests. These findings highlight a need for routine surveillance of calcium levels following thyroid…

Lower levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in people with hypoparathyroidism may lead to decreased bone material strength and increase the risk of fractures, a new study reports. The study, “PTH and bone material strength in hypoparathyroidism as measured by impact microindentation,” was published in the journal…

A Phase 2 trial testing the experimental therapy TransCon PTH in adults with hypoparathyroidism is expanding to allow for faster enrollment of people previously treated with Natpara (parathyroid hormone, PTH), which was recently recalled in the United States. Developed by Ascendis Pharma, TransCon PTH is intended to restore…

Four hours after surgery is the best time to measure intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels to predict the risk of hypoparathyroidism following thyroidectomy, a study in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma suggests. Hypoparathyroidism is an uncommon condition in which the body secretes abnormally low levels of…

A Phase 2 trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of TransCon PTH — designed to restore parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels within 24 hours — in people with hypoparathyroidism is now enrolling adults in North America and Europe. Called PaTH Forward, the study (NCT04009291) is planning to enroll about 40 patients with hypoparathyroidism who…

A case report of a person diagnosed with Fahr’s disease related to post-thyroidectomy hypoparathyroidism highlights the importance of doing regular screening, including brain scans and blood tests, after this surgery. “Secondary Fahr’s Disease: A Consequence of Post-Thyroidectomy Hypoparathyroidism” was published in the European Journal of Case Reports…

  Researchers have found that there is a gap in scientific knowledge regarding the management of post-thyroidectomy hypoparathyroidism. The study, “Calcium, vitamin D or recombinant parathyroid hormone for managing post-thyroidectomy hypoparathyroidism,” was published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Hypoparathyroidism is a common complication after…

A new study suggests that calcium supplements might not be necessary for all patients with hypoparathyroidism. This treatment approach could be especially helpful for patients dealing with calcium-related side effects. The study, “Is calcium supplementation always needed in patients with hypoparathyroidism?” was published in Clinical Endocrinology. Because hypoparathyroidism leads…