It is no secret that certain conditions can sometimes be debilitating or make it harder to partake in day-to-day life. According to Hypoparathyroidism News, researchers recently sought to understand the impact of hypoparathyroidism on quality-of-life (QOL). In particular, researchers wanted to evaluate health-related quality-of-life and rates of early mortality. Following the study, the findings highlight that hypoparathyroidism does contribute to a number of other health issues, including kidney dysfunction. However, researchers believe with adequate treatment, it could be possible to improve QOL for patients.

If you would like to read the full study findings, take a look at Endocrine Connections. 

Evaluating Quality-of-Life (QOL)

At the onset of the study, researchers hypothesized that hypoparathyroidism resulted in lower quality-of-life, as well as higher levels of comorbidity and mortality. Altogether, researchers sourced data from 203 patients with hypoparathyroidism, as well as 414 controls. The data was sourced from those treated over a 13-year period. A majority of data was sourced from females. Findings from the study include:

• A majority of those with hypoparathyroidism developed the condition following neck surgery. These patients tended to be older in age and require more supplements and levothyroxine.
• Approximately 74% of patients took vitamin D and calcium supplements daily.
• People with hypoparathyroidism had reduced blood pressure, calcium, parathyroid hormone, and thyroid stimulating hormone levels. However, they also had increased free T4 and creatinine levels, worse kidney function, and required more medication use.
• Hypoparathyroidism was not found to increase mortality rates compared to the control group.
• According to different QOL assessments, patients reported lower mental and physical health quality.

Despite this, researchers believe that PTH analogs, as a therapeutic option, could help improve QOL. By using PTH analogs, researchers believe that patients could be able to stabilize or regulate their calcium levels, reduce symptoms, and improve overall mental wellness.

About Hypoparathyroidism

Hypoparathyroidism occurs when the body’s four parathyroid glands fail to produce enough parathyroid hormone (PTH). Normally, PTH plays a role in balancing calcium and phosphorus levels. However, when the body does not produce enough PTH, these levels become imbalanced: too much phosphorus in the blood, and too little calcium in the blood and bones. Hypoparathyroidism may result from an autoimmune disease, extensive cancer treatment around the neck and face, low levels of blood magnesium, or surgery. Symptoms include: 

• Painful spasms around the mouth, arms, hands, and throat
• Fatigue
• Muscle pain and cramping (particularly in the abdomen, face, legs, and feet)
• Tingling and burning in the extremities
• Generalized weakness
• Patchy hair loss
• Dry, coarse skin
• Depression and anxiety
• Teeth malformations
• Heart arrhythmia
• Brittle nails
• Painful menstruation