Vrinda Saraff1, Anya Rothenbuhler2, Wolfgang Högler1,3, Agnès Linglart2. 1. Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom. 2. Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Bicêtre Hospital, Paris, France. 3. Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hypoparathyroidism associated with malabsorption can be particularly challenging to manage due to limited and erratic intestinal absorption of calcium and vitamin D analogues, resulting in episodes of hypo- or hypercalcaemia. We evaluated the role of continuous subcutaneous recombinant parathyroid hormone (rhPTH 1-34) infusion (CSPI) in children with hypoparathyroidism associated with intestinal malabsorption resistant to conventional therapy. METHOD: Four patients (8-13 years of age), with symptomatic hypocalcaemia resistant to conventional therapy, were started on CSPI (follow-up 3-8 years) in two paediatric endocrinology units in Europe. RESULTS: Serum calcium normalized within 48 h of commencing treatment in all 4 patients. An average rhPTH 1-34 dose of 0.4 µg/kg/day resulted in a substantial reduction in symptomatic hypocalcaemia and hypo-/hypercalcaemia-related hospital admissions. An increased alkaline phosphatase activity was noted in the first 6 months on CSPI, indicating an increase in bone turnover. In 2 patients with elevated urinary calcium excretion before CSPI, this normalized in the first year on treatment. No significant side effects were noticed in the short or long term, with patient-reported preference of CSPI over conventional treatment. CONCLUSION: CSPI is a promising and effective treatment option for managing hypocalcaemia and hyperphosphataemia in children with hypoparathyroidism associated with intestinal malabsorption.
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hypoparathyroidism associated with malabsorption can be particularly challenging to manage due to limited and erratic intestinal absorption of calcium and vitamin D analogues, resulting in episodes of hypo- or hypercalcaemia. We evaluated the role of continuous subcutaneous recombinant parathyroid hormone (rhPTH 1-34) infusion (CSPI) in children with hypoparathyroidism associated with intestinal malabsorption resistant to conventional therapy. METHOD: Four patients (8-13 years of age), with symptomatic hypocalcaemia resistant to conventional therapy, were started on CSPI (follow-up 3-8 years) in two paediatric endocrinology units in Europe. RESULTS: Serum calcium normalized within 48 h of commencing treatment in all 4 patients. An average rhPTH 1-34 dose of 0.4 µg/kg/day resulted in a substantial reduction in symptomatic hypocalcaemia and hypo-/hypercalcaemia-related hospital admissions. An increased alkaline phosphatase activity was noted in the first 6 months on CSPI, indicating an increase in bone turnover. In 2 patients with elevated urinary calcium excretion before CSPI, this normalized in the first year on treatment. No significant side effects were noticed in the short or long term, with patient-reported preference of CSPI over conventional treatment. CONCLUSION: CSPI is a promising and effective treatment option for managing hypocalcaemia and hyperphosphataemia in children with hypoparathyroidism associated with intestinal malabsorption.