Not an actual patient.About HypoPARA
What is HypoPARA?
Chronic HypoPARAthyroidism (HypoPARA) is a condition of low or missing PARAthyroid hormone (PTH) that requires ongoing management. PTH is an essential hormone that regulates calcium and phosphate in the body. Without it, the body can’t function normally. HypoPARA is considered “chronic” when a person has had low or missing PTH and low calcium for 12 months or more.
Causes of low or missing PTH in chronic HypoPARA
Chronic HypoPARA is considered a rare condition. Approximately 100,000 people are estimated to be living with it in the United States.
The cause of low or missing PTH in chronic HypoPARA can vary from person to person.
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Surgery
This happens when the PARAthyroid glands are damaged or removed during surgery. This is the most common cause of chronic HypoPARA.
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Autoimmune conditions
Certain autoimmune conditions can cause the immune system to mistakenly attack and damage the PARAthyroid glands.
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Unknown cause
Also called “idiopathic,” this means chronic HypoPARA began without a known cause.
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Genetics
Genetic forms of chronic HypoPARA occur when an inherited condition causes the PARAthyroid glands to be missing or not work properly. Some of the genetic causes for chronic HypoPARA include:
- ADH1
- APS-1 or APECED
- DiGeorge syndrome
- HDR syndrome or Barakat syndrome
Did you know?
Some genetic causes of chronic HypoPARA can have a higher risk of kidney complications.
ADH1 = autosomal dominant hypocalcemia type 1; APECED = autoimmune polyendocrinopathy candidiasis ectodermal dystrophy; APS-1 = autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1; HDR = HypoPARAthyroidism, sensorineural deafness, and renal dysplasia.