Characteristics of patients with chronic hypoparathyroidism not adequately controlled with conventional treatment and management patterns in Spain.

Background And Objective: The current guidelines on hypoparathyroidism offer a model for treating patients but do not cover real-world situations or patient diversity. Given the lack of data regarding hypoparathyroidism, a Delphi panel was convened in Spain to establish consensus in defining the characteristics of patients with chronic hypoparathyroidism not adequately controlled with conventional treatment, as well as to investigate patterns of management.

Material And Methods: A presentation matrix provided a framework for characterizing inadequately controlled chronic hypoparathyroidism, based on 4 predefined patient groups: group 1 (normal biochemical levels and the patient feeling well); group 2 (abnormal biochemical levels and the patient feeling well); group 3 (normal biochemical levels and the patient feeling unwell); and group 4 (abnormal biochemical levels and the patient feeling unwell). Based on Likert scales (scored 1-9), the experts were asked to state their agreement / disagreement with the characteristics of patients with chronic hypoparathyroidism, including demographic data, family history, comorbidities, biochemical values, symptoms and quality of life. Consensus was achieved when ≥ 66% of the respondents were in agreement.

Results: Consensus was achieved on the importance of assessing demographic data and comorbidities (e.g., renal complications) in groups 2, 3 and 4; family medical history in groups 2 and 3; biochemical parameters (e.g., calcemia / urinary calcium excretion) in groups 2 and 4; and clinical symptoms and quality of life in groups 3 and 4. Consensus was also reached regarding the maintenance of several biochemical parameters and the need for personalized treatment and training in symptoms and complications.

Conclusions: The Spanish expert panel reached consensus defining key disease parameters and factors of importance for characterizing and treating patients with inadequately controlled chronic hypoparathyroidism.