Epidemiology of Hypoparathyroidism

Hypoparathyroidism is a rare disorder that may be acquired or inherited. The most common acquired form is postsurgical hypoparathyroidism. The incidence of transient postsurgical hypoparathyroidism is estimated to be 25.4-83%, whereas the incidence of permanent postsurgical hypoparathyroidism is much lower at 0.12-4.6%. The prevalence of hypoparathyroidism in the US is estimated to be about 37 per 100,000 person-years. The severity of the condition is quite variable, with most patients mildly to moderately affected, and some severely affected. Severely affected patients may die due to complications of their hypocalcemia. The cost of medical care for patients with hypoparathyroidism is estimated to be about three times that for healthy patients. Patients with hypoparathyroidism experience a range of morbidities varying from symptoms related to frequent hypocalcemia, hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria due to overtreatment, as well as alterations in well-being and mood, basal ganglia calcifications, cataracts, and skeletal disease.