Authors' recommendations: Hypoparathyroidism is a rare condition caused by the parathyroid glands in the neck producing too little parathyroid hormone. This causes blood calcium levels to fall (hypocalcaemia) and blood phosphorous levels to rise (hyperphosphataemia). Symptoms include a tingling sensation in the hands and feet, muscle cramps, spasm, and tiredness. rhPTH is a new drug for the treatment of hypoparathyroidism that is injected under the skin once a day. Some studies have suggested that rhPTH may work best when used together with the current treatment for hypoparathyroidism, which is calcium and vitamin D tablets. If rhPTH is licensed for use in the UK, it could be a new treatment option for patients with hypoparathyroidism that may reduce symptoms of the disease.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2016

URL for published report: http://www.hsric.nihr.ac.uk/topics/rhpth-natpar-for-hypoparathyroidism-adjunctive-therapy/

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England, United Kingdom

Organisation Name: NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre

Contact Address: The NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre, Department of Public Health, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics, School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, 90 Vincent Drive, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2SP. United Kingdom. Tel: +44 121 414 7831, Fax: +44 121 2269

Contact Name: c.packer@bham.ac.uk

Contact Email: c.packer@bham.ac.uk

Copyright: NIHR Horizon Scanning Research&Intelligence Centre (NIHR HSRIC)