Hypoparathyroidism: an update on new therapeutic approaches.

BACKGROUND: Hypoparathyroidism is a rare endocrine disease characterized by insufficient parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion by the parathyroid glands, leading to hypocalcemia. In contrast to most hormone deficiencies for which hormone replacement is currently the mainstay of therapy, hypoparathyroidism has conventionally been treated with calcium supplements and active analogs of vitamin D. Although the advent of a replacement therapy with 1-34 and 1-84 PTH represented a major step in the therapeutic history of hypoparathyroidism, several new molecules and different management strategies have recently been developed.

PURPOSE: This review investigates the therapeutic approaches currently under investigation for the treatment of hypoparathyroidism. Clinical trials results have been considered and discussed.