For HCPs

Unlike other causes of hypocalcemia, the underlying problem in HypoPARA is inadequate secretion or action of PTH, the hormone responsible for maintaining calcium and phosphate homeostasis.

More than 100,000 people in the United States are living with HypoPARA, with women representing the majority of diagnosed patients. Approximately 75% of cases develop following anterior neck surgery, most commonly thyroid or parathyroid procedures. The remaining 25% result from nonsurgical causes, including autoimmune disease, genetic disorders (such as autosomal dominant hypocalcemia), infiltrative disease, radiation, idiopathic causes, or rare disorders affecting PTH production or function.

Patients with HypoPARA often experience a broad spectrum of symptoms related to hypocalcemia and impaired mineral metabolism, ranging from paresthesias, muscle cramps, and fatigue to cognitive dysfunction, seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, and reduced quality of life. Long-term complications may include hyperphosphatemia, hypercalciuria, nephrolithiasis, nephrocalcinosis, renal impairment, and ectopic calcifications.

Early recognition, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate long-term management are essential to reducing complications and improving patient outcomes. Because HypoPARA is uncommon and often underrecognized, collaboration between primary care providers, endocrinologists, surgeons, nephrologists, and other specialists is critical to optimizing care.