News

A 61-year-old woman’s case calls attention to the potential development of calcium-alkali syndrome (CAS) — a condition that can damage the kidneys — due to taking too many calcium and vitamin D supplements to treat hypoparathyroidism. Although such cases are rare, it is important to raise awareness for…

Despite skyrocketing healthcare costs, President Trump is committed to protecting the 30 million or so Americans with rare diseases and ensuring timely, affordable access to lifesaving treatments, the nation’s highest-ranking health official said. “We have to think about how our financing system can protect those with serious and rare illnesses.

Clinicians should consider the possibility of hypoparathyroidism in patients with chronic low levels of calcium, recurrent twitching of hands or feet, and even epileptic-like psychiatric symptoms to ensure early diagnosis and treatment, a case study reports. The study, “Hypoparathyroidism with Fahr’s syndrome: A case report and review…

Most people with uncontrolled, chronic hypoparathyroidism experience moderate-to-severe symptoms — even while on treatment — that lower their health-related quality of life (HRQoL), worsen their health status, and impact their ability to exercise or work, the results of a global survey show. The survey also found that greater symptom…

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…

Rare disease-themed videos glowed on a large screen before an audience of people in wheelchairs, with crutches, and bearing oxygen tanks this Nov. 9 and 10 in San Francisco. Disorder: The Rare Disease Film Festival strives to eventually host a film about every one of the nearly 7,000 rare…

High body mass index (BMI) may predict poor response to standard vitamin D treatment in people with chronic hypoparathyroidism, a pilot study has found. If confirmed in future studies, the findings may help clinicians adjust their vitamin D recommendations, suggest lifestyle changes to lose weight, or consider early therapy…

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…

An easy-to-use scale accessing the severity of 17 symptoms linked to hypoparathyroidism from a patient’s perspective has been developed by researchers. If confirmed in future tests, this scale could be useful in evaluating disease burden and treatment effect in people with disease. The results, “Assessing…