Overview

The HypoCaVD Study investigates cardiovascular morbidity and outcomes in people living with hypoparathyroidism. Using high‑quality, pseudonymized data from the EuRREB Core Registry, this project aims to clarify how hypoparathyroidism influences heart and vascular health across Europe. 

Why This Study Matters 

Hypoparathyroidism is traditionally viewed as a disorder of calcium metabolism. However, emerging evidence suggests that chronic hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and long‑term treatment with calcium and active vitamin D may contribute to cardiovascular complications. Current knowledge is limited, often based on small or single‑center studies. This project addresses that gap by analyzing a large, multinational cohort. 

Study Objectives

Primary Aim

To determine whether individuals with hypoparathyroidism have an increased prevalence or incidence of cardiovascular events. 

Primary Outcomes

• Ischemic heart disease 
• Myocardial infarction 
• Stroke or transient ischemic attack 
• Heart failure 
• Clinically significant arrhythmias 

Secondary Outcomes

• Individual cardiovascular endpoints 
• Cardiovascular mortality 
• Hypertension prevalence 
• Vascular calcifications (if available) 
• Associations between calcium, phosphate, and Ca×P product and cardiovascular disease 
• Impact of treatment type (conventional vs PTH therapy) 
• Renal function and its interaction with cardiovascular risk 

Study Design

This retrospective observational cohort study uses deidentified data from the EuRREB registries. Eligible patients with confirmed hypoparathyroidism will be characterized at baseline and followed longitudinally where data are available. 

Analyses include: 

• Descriptive statistics 
• Logistic regression 
• Cox proportional hazards models 
• Subgroup analyses (etiology, age group, treatment modality) 
• Sensitivity analyses and appropriate handling of missing data 

Expected Impact

Findings from the HypoCaVD Study will: 

• Improve cardiovascular risk stratification in hypoparathyroidism 
• Guide monitoring strategies for heart and vascular complications 
• Inform treatment decisions, including potential roles for PTH replacement therapy

Dissemination

Results will be shared through: 

• Peer‑reviewed publications 
• Conference presentations (ENDO‑ERN, ESE, Endocrine Society) 
• Registry reports 
• EuRREB newsletter contributions 

Members of this Study Group

Initiating Team 

Participating members

For more information regarding the study or if you are interested to contribute to this study, please contact registries@lumc.nl.

*The Principal Investigator (PI) is the lead applicant responsible for submitting the data request and initiating the study.