Internal Medicine

Our knowledge and experience extends to highly specialized conditions in internal medicine. We’re deeply committed to supporting patients with conditions like hypoparathyroidism, ulcerative colitis, and short bowel syndrome on their treatment journey.

In 2016, Shire was granted FDA breakthrough therapy designation for two rare disease treatments for rare gastrointestinal conditions, allowing us to bring clinical advancements to patients.

We champion patients by offering personalized support that includes financial assistance and training programs. We also partner with online communities where people can go for help to learn more about their medical condition and share experiences with other patients and with the community. Becoming part of an extensive online network can provide support and reassurance that there are people who have had similar experiences.

Our focus areas within internal medicine includes:

Hypoparathyroidism

Hypoparathyroidism is a rare, complex condition where the parathyroid glands are either absent or damaged and can’t produce sufficient amounts of parathyroid hormone. People with hypoparathyroidism are at risk from hypocalcemia (low blood calcium) and other chemical imbalances that must be carefully managed to help reduce the risk of serious short- and long-term health problems.^1,2 Estimates suggest that chronic hypoparathyroidism affects approximately 60,000-115,000 patients in the U.S.³

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects men and women equally, and it is thought to affect 120 to 200 per 100,000 people throughout the western world.⁴ The precise cause is unknown.

Short Bowel Syndrome

Short bowel syndrome, also known as SBS, is a rare, serious, and chronic malabsorption condition where patients are unable to absorb enough nutrients and fluids from the food they eat due to the surgical removal of a large part of the intestines. Characterized by diarrhea, dehydration and electrolyte disturbances, SBS is typically the result of chronic malabsorption following the removal of a large part of the intestines (a bowel resection).^5-7

REFERENCES

1. Fong J, Khan A. Hypocalcemia: Updates in diagnosis and management for primary care. Canadian Family Physician. 2012;58(2):158-162. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3279267/
2. Shoback D. Hypoparathyroidism. N Engl J Med 359;4. 2008.
3. Brandi ML et al. Management of Hypoparathyroidism: Summary Statement and Guidelines. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016;101(6):2273-2283.
4. Cosnes J, Gower-Rousseau C, Seksik P, Cortot A. Epidemiology and natural history of inflammatory bowel diseases. Gastroenterology 2011, 140:1785–1794.
5. Kelly DG, Tappenden KA, Winkler MF. Short bowel syndrome: highlights of patient management, quality of life, and survival. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2014;38(4):427-437.
6. Thompson JS, Rochling FA, Weseman RA, Mercer DF. Current management of short bowel syndrome. Curr Probl Surg. 2012;49(2):52-115.
7. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Short Bowel Syndrome. National Institutes of Health website. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/short-bowel-syndrome. Accessed January 25, 2017.

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