Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the current situation of
hypoparathyroid patients and to investigate the relationship between
treatment adherence and quality of life.
Study design Prospective, multicentre study.
Methods Adult patients presenting with the diagnosis of
hypoparathyroidism to 20 different endocrinology clinics were included. They
were receiving conventional therapies for hypoparathyroidism, using calcium,
active vitamin D, and magnesium. We collected data on demographic features,
disease- and treatment-related information, and results of routine
laboratory tests, treatment adherence, and presence of complications. Beck
Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Short Form-36 quality of
life assessments were administered.
Results Among the 300 patients studied, 60.7% were adherent
to their treatment, and 34.1% had complications. Anxiety and
depression scores were significantly higher in non-adherent versus
treatment-adherent patients (p<0.001 and p=0.001,
respectively). Most of the domains of quality-of-life scores were also
significantly lower in non-adherent patients. Both anxiety and depression
scores showed significant, negative correlations with serum calcium and
magnesium concentrations (r=−0.336, p<0.001
and r=−0.258, p<0.001, respectively).
Conclusions Nearly 40% of the patients were non-adherent to
conventional treatment for hypoparathyroidism, and such patients had higher
anxiety and depression scores and poorer quality of life scores.
Conventional treatment might not be sufficient to meet the needs of patients
with hypoparathyroidism. In addition to seeking new therapeutic options,
factors influencing quality of life should also be investigated and
strategies to improve treatment adherence should be developed.