Prevalence of sarcopenia in female patients with hypoparathyroidism

Abstract Purpose Alterations in parathyroid hormone, calcium and phosphorus levels have significant effects on the musculoskeletal system. However, only a limited number of studies have investigated the impact of hypoparathyroidism on musculoskeletal health and sarcopenia and the available findings remain inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of sarcopenia in female patients with hypoparathyroidism compared with healthy controls. Materials and methods This cross-sectional study included 42 female patients diagnosed with hypoparathyroidism who were followed and treated at the Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinic of Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital between November 29, 2022, and June 30, 2023. Forty-three age-matched healthy female volunteers were enrolled as the control group. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated for all participants. After an overnight fast of at least 8 hours, blood samples were collected for the measurement of albumin, phosphorus, calcium, creatinine, magnesium, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and the results were recorded from the hospital information system. Upper extremity muscle strength was assessed using a digital hand dynamometer (Camry Digital Hand Dynamometer). Muscle mass was evaluated by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) using the Tanita TBF-300 Segmental Body Composition Monitor. Physical performance was assessed using the 4-meter gait speed test. Clinical, laboratory and sarcopenia-related parameters were compared between the groups. Results Serum calcium, phosphorus, PTH and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels differed significantly between the hypoparathyroidism and control groups (all p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed regarding age, BMI, magnesium, TSH or creatinine levels (all p > 0.05). Significant differences were detected between the groups in gait speed, right- and left-hand grip strength and BIA-derived muscle mass measurements (all p < 0.05). Within the hypoparathyroidism group, no significant associations or linear correlations were found between sarcopenia-related parameters and serum calcium, phosphorus, PTH, vitamin D, magnesium or creatinine levels (all p > 0.05). Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that hypoparathyroidism is associated with impaired muscle function and an increased risk of sarcopenia. Therefore, musculoskeletal health and sarcopenia-related parameters should be carefully assessed during the routine follow-up of patients with hypoparathyroidism.