Pediatric Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism

Abstract

3/2026 vol. 32
Case report

Refractory hypoparathyroidism in paediatric autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1: successful long-term use of teriparatide

  1. Department of Paediatrics, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia

  2. Department of Medicine, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Tunja, Colombia

  3. Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Fundación Oftalmológica de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia

Pediatr Endocrinol Diabetes Metab 2026; 32 (3): 223-229

Online publish date: 2026/09/14
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Autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 (APS-1) is a rare monogenic disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene. It typically manifests in childhood with at least two features of the classic triad: chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, hypoparathyroidism, and adrenal insufficiency. We present the case of an 11-year-old girl from a consanguineous family, with severe hypocalcaemia and chronic oral candidiasis. Despite high-dose calcium and calcitriol therapy, she experienced recurrent symptomatic hypocalcaemia requiring multiple hospitalisations. Genetic testing confirmed homozygosity for the pathogenic AIRE variant c.967_979del, establishing the diagnosis of APS-1. Due to poor biochemical control, teriparatide (parathyroid hormone, PTH [1–34]) was initiated at 20 g twice daily, leading to rapid improvement in calcium-phosphate homeostasis, a 75% reduction in oral calcium requirements, and no further hospitalisations over a two-year period. The therapy was well tolerated with no adverse events. This is the first paediatric case reported in Colombia using recombinant PTH (1–34) for APS-1-related hypoparathyroidism, supporting its therapeutic role in refractory cases.

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