Quality of life in patients with hypoparathyroidism receiving standard treatment: a systematic review

Abstract

Most hypoparathyroidism patients receiving standard treatment show stable calcium and vitamin D levels. However, hypoparathyroidism patients still report reduced quality of life and experience physical, mental, and emotional symptoms. Therefore, it is assumed that the lack of parathyroid hormone directly influences the patients' quality of life. This review indicates that patients with hypoparathyroidism have a reduced quality of life in comparison to norm-based populations or matched controls. Further studies are required to quantify the effect of hypoparathyroidism on patients' quality of life using disease-specific questionnaires and controlling for the co-morbidities and etiologies of the patients.

Quality of life in hypoparathyroidism

“…An impairment of physical function as determined by QoL measures is in good agreement with many patients complaining of muscular symptoms, as well as studies have shown a reduced muscle strength/function compared with healthy controls [2]. As correctly noted by Büttner et al [1], conventional therapy with active vitamin D and calcium supplements does restore the physiological calcium/phosphorus homeostasis. In people with intact parathyroid function, serum calcium levels are tightly controlled.…”

“…As many patients with non-surgical hypoparathyroidism have been born with the disease, it seems likely that patients who have acquired the diseases may feel more affected, as they know how they felt prior to being diseases. As reported by Büttner et al [1], most patients with postsurgical hypoparathyroidism are also suffering from postsurgical hypothyroidism. It may therefore be questioned whether the impaired QoL is due to the co-existence of hypothyroidism.…”

“…This is also supported by findings in patients with severe primary hyperparathyroidism who may develop psychiatric symptoms. Furthermore, as mentioned by Büttner et al [1], PTH receptors are expressed by cells in various tissues, including the central nervous system. It is possible that too high PTH levels (as in primary hyperparathyroidism) as well as too low levels in hypoparathyroidism may be of importance.…”

“…Symptoms such as impaired ability to focus, concentration problems, and memory loss are collectively called "brain fog". In this issue of Endocrine, Büttner et al [1], highlights an additionally important complication to hypoparathyroidism in terms of a reduced quality of life (QoL). By performing a systematic literature review, Büttner et al [1] identified five studies using validated questionnaires to assess QoL in patients with hypoparathyroidism.…”

“…In this issue of Endocrine, Büttner et al [1], highlights an additionally important complication to hypoparathyroidism in terms of a reduced quality of life (QoL). By performing a systematic literature review, Büttner et al [1] identified five studies using validated questionnaires to assess QoL in patients with hypoparathyroidism. Three of the studies used the SF-36/ RAND36-Item Health Survey, all showing a lower QoL in patients with hypoparathyroidism compared with norm-based controls.…”