INCLUSION CRITERIA:
This study will include patients of both genders (ages 18-70) with biochemically confirmed chronic hypoparathyroidism of at least one year duration. Eight adult subjects will be enrolled.
EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
Subjects who meet any of the following criteria are not eligible for the study:
- Presence of significant hepatic or kidney disease (GFR less than 60 mL/min).
- Pregnancy.
- Chronic disease that might affect mineral metabolism such as GI disorders, Cushing's syndrome or disease and adrenal insufficiency.
- Use of systemic or inhaled corticosteroids within the last 6 months.
- Patients who are calcium infusion dependent and/or do not respond to calcitriol therapy to maintain normal levels of serum calcium will be excluded.
- Seizure disorder requiring antiepileptic medications.
- Patients with depression requiring antidepressant medications will be excluded.
EXCLUSION CRITERIA FOR BIODEX MUSCLE TESTING IN THE RMD:
Subjects with the following conditions will not participate in the biodex testing portion of the protocol:
- Any pathology of right knee or elbow consisting of, but not limited to, joint instability, pain or evidence of an active inflammatory or infectious process. Skin in these areas must be intact; there can be no open or healing wound of the right knee or elbow.