Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Parathyroidectomy”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Effects of parathyroidectomy on lead mobilization from bone in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Since lead (Pb) accrued from environmental exposure accumulates in bone with a half life time between 6 and 10 years, a release of bone Pb into the circulation and/or urine (PbU) should be expected in diseases with increased bone metabolism such as hyperparathyroidism. We studied 60 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT, 50 women, 10 men, aged 61.4 +/- 10.6 and 64.1 +/- 9.9 years, respectively) (a) before, (b) 1-6 months, and (c) 6-12 months after parathyroidectomy. Besides lead in blood (PbB) and lead in 24-h urine samples (PbU), parathyroid hormone (PTH), serum Ca2+, osteocalcin (OC), phosphate (PO4), and serum pyridinoline cross-linked telopeptide (cTP) were determined. Control data were determined in 20 healthy age-matched subjects. As expected, Ca2+ decreased after parathyroidectomy. Mean PbB in patients with pHPT was in the same range as in controls. A decrease of PbB after parathyroidectomy was found in the interval beyond 6 months. In contrast, mean PbU initially increased after surgery (3.05 +/- 1.94 vs. 4.25 +/- 2.65 microg/l, P = 0.004) and was not different beyond 6 months in comparison with preoperative values at (c). Investigating only patients with PTH < 150 ng/l, no significant PbB or PbU alterations were detected before and after parathyroidectomy. In patients with PTH > 150 ng/l, the decrease of PbB at (c) was more pronounced as was the increase of PbU at (b). In these patients, PbB and OC as well as PbB and cTP were correlated preoperatively. In conclusion, our data show that in environmentally lead-exposed (by food or by pollution) hyperparathyroid individuals, there is no hazardous PbB release from bone. The preoperative correlation between PbB and OC in pHPT patients with PTH > 150 ng/l provides evidence that in fact there is a Pb release from bone into the blood-pool by bone remodeling. The increase of PbU after parathyroidectomy is suspected to be caused by PTH-dependent Pb accumulation in the kidney, which seems to be restored with decreasing PTH. Moreover, our data confirm prior findings that bone remodeling seems to be normalized 6 months after parathyroidectomy.

Bone and Bones↗

Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy using the lateral focused miniincision approach: Is there a learning curve for surgeons experienced in the open procedure?

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) has gained acceptance as the standard of care for management of primary hyperparathyroidism in which a single adenoma can be localized. The aim of this study was to determine if there is a learning curve for MIP using the lateral focused miniincision approach performed by surgeons experienced in open parathyroidectomy. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective case series comprising all parathyroid operations undertaken by three surgeons in the University of Sydney Endocrine Surgical Unit from 2003 to 2005. Outcomes of the experienced surgeon were compared with those of the two surgeons commencing practice. RESULTS: There were 699 parathyroidectomies performed in the Unit during the 36-month period (experienced surgeons: 438 versus commencing physicians: 261). Of the parathyroidectomies performed, 57% done by experienced surgeons were minimally invasive compared with 38% of those performed by surgeons commencing practice (p < 0.001). There were no differences in the number of complications (p = 0.21), conversions to open exploration (p = 0.6), and cure rates (p = 0.9) in the MIP patients in both groups. The initial (first 131 patients) and subsequent (next 130 patients) parathyroidectomy experiences of surgeons commencing practice were examined. In the initial experiences, 28% of the cases were minimally invasive compared with 48% in the subsequent experiences (p < 0.001). There were no differences in the number of complications (p = 0.3), conversions to open exploration (p = 0.9), and cure rates (p = 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: For surgeons experienced in open parathyroidectomy, there is no technical learning curve using the lateral focused miniincision technique for MIP. There is, however, a learning curve for patient selection.

Clinical Competence↗

Parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism induces positive uncoupling and increases bone mineral density in cancellous bones.

OBJECTIVE: Osteopenia is an important feature of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP). However, little is known about the change of bone mineral density (BMD) in PHP after surgery. The aim was to investigate the mechanisms of increased BMD after parathyroidectomy in patients with PHP. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. PATIENTS: Ten patients with PHP (7 women, 3 men; mean age 53.2+/-9.1 years). All patients underwent parathyroidectomy for excision of parathyroid adenoma. MEASUREMENTS: BMDs of two cancellous bone-rich sites (L2-L4 lumbar spine and ultra-distal end of the radius, RUD) and one cortical bone-rich site (distal third of the radius, R33%) were measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, before, and 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. Serum intact PTH, intact osteocalcin, bone type alkaline phosphatase (b-ALP), alkaline phosphatase, calcium, and urinary deoxypyridinoline (Dpd) were measured before, and 1 and 3 days, and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: Parathyroidectomy resulted in a significant increase in BMDs of L2-L4 and RUD at 3 months postoperatively. Urinary Dpd levels decreased within a few days after surgery, while b-ALP and osteocalcin decreased more slowly throughout the first few months after surgery. The ratio of osteocalcin/Dpd at 1 week after surgery correlated significantly with the percentage change in BMD of L2-L4 at 3 and 6 months after surgery. The ratio of osteocalcin/Dpd at 2 weeks correlated significantly with the percentage change in BMD of L2-L4 at 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. The preoperative values of osteocalcin, b-ALP, PTH and calcium were positively correlated with the change in BMD of RUD at 3 months and L2-L4 at 12 months, RUD at 6 months, RUD at 3 months and L2-L4 at 12 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In primary hyperparathyroidism patients, the major increase in bone mineral density following parathyroidectomy occurs within 3 months. Parathyroidectomy resulted in a marked increase in bone mineral density of cancellous bones compared to that of cortical bones. The early increase in bone mineral density was due to a preferential activation of bone formation over bone resorption as evidenced by changes in bone metabolic markers. Our results also showed that the preoperative levels of bone metabolic markers may predict the gain in bone mineral density after parathyroidectomy.

Adenoma↗

Parathyroidectomy promotes wound healing and prolongs survival in patients with calciphylaxis from secondary hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Calciphylaxis is a rare but life-threatening condition occasionally affecting patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism. Parathyroidectomy has been advocated as the only potentially curative intervention. METHODS: Between January 1989 and May 2000, 13 patients with pathologic/clinical criteria of calciphylaxis were treated at our institution. Of these 13 patients, 7 were managed with medical therapy alone, and 6 were referred for parathyroidectomy. The medical records were reviewed, and patients/relatives were interviewed. RESULTS: All patients had cutaneous wounds requiring local debridement predominantly located on the lower extremities or abdominal wall. Six patients underwent subtotal (3.5 gland) parathyroidectomy without morbidity. All 6 had significant reductions in parathyroid hormone levels after surgery (mean decrease, 94% +/- 0%), and all reported resolution of pain and healing of cutaneous wounds. Of the remaining 7 patients who had medical management alone, 5 eventually died of complications related to calciphylaxis. In comparing the 2 groups, patients who underwent parathyroidectomy had a significantly longer median survival than those who did not have surgery (36 vs 3 months, P =.021). CONCLUSIONS: Calciphylaxis frequently causes gangrene, sepsis, and eventual death. Parathyroidectomy can be performed with minimal morbidity and is associated with resolution of pain, wound healing, and a significantly longer median survival. Therefore, patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism and signs/symptoms of calciphylaxis should be referred promptly for consideration of parathyroidectomy.

Adult↗

Diabetes mellitus with hyperparathyroidism: another indication for parathyroidectomy?

BACKGROUND: Patients with hyperparathyroidism have alterations in carbohydrate metabolism characterized by insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and glucose intolerance. The clinical significance of these findings in the management of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) after parathyroidectomy for hyperparathyroidism has been controversial. METHODS: A retrospective review identified 87 patients with DM and hyperparathyroidism who underwent parathyroidectomy. The follow-up documentation of 70 patients who underwent diabetic management was then evaluated to assess the benefit of parathyroidectomy on glucose management. RESULTS: Thirteen patients had type 1 DM, and 74 patients had type 2 DM. Primary hyperparathyroidism was present in 93% of patients with type 2 DM; 64% of patients with type 1 DM had secondary hyperparathyroidism. At follow-up, glucose control was stable in 40% of patients, had improved in 37% of patients, and had deteriorated in 23% of patients (P = .003). Improved glucose control was not dependent on age, duration of DM, duration of hyperparathyroidism, length of follow-up, or calcium levels. The patients with decreased requirements had a significantly lower parathyroid hormone level (P = .05). Improved glucose control was most significant in patients whose condition was managed with oral hypoglycemics (P = .05) or insulin (P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: The clinical and laboratory investigations on the influence of hyperparathyroidism on DM support the benefit of parathyroidectomy in patients with DM. Patients with type 1 and type 2 DM show improvement in glucose control after parathyroidectomy. The presence of DM and hyperparathyroidism is an indication for parathyroidectomy because it results in either stabilization or improved glucose control in 77% of patients.

Adult↗

The effects of successful parathyroidectomy on clinical and biological manifestations of primary hyperparathyroidism.

PURPOSE: To assess changes of clinical manifestations, laboratory data, and bone mineral density after parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism. METHODS: In 39 patients with symptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism undergoing parathyroidectomy, data of preoperative symptoms and bone densitometry were collected from the medical records. A telephone survey was used to collect information on postoperative symptoms and the patient's degree of satisfaction with the operation. Results of biochemical parameters before surgery, at the immediate postoperative period, and at late follow-up were compared. Differences of proportions were assessed with the chi-square test and differences in means with the one-way ANOVA and the Student's t test. RESULTS: A significant decrease was observed in the occurrence of renal colic and bone pain after parathyroidectomy. Calcium and PTH levels decreased and phosphorus levels increased significantly after the operation. 24-hour renal calcium excretion showed a statistically significant decrease in the immediate postoperative control and at follow-up in patients without renal colic, whereas in those with nephrolithiasis, significant differences were only observed at follow-up. Alkaline phosphatase decreased significantly in the immediate postoperative period, and bone densitometry improved in a 90% of the patients. Ninety-six percent of patients were satisfied with parathyroidectomy. CONCLUSIONS: In this clinical series, successful parathyroidectomy resulted in improvement of clinical manifestations, normalization of biochemical parameters, and a decrease in osteoporosis. Patients reported a high degree of satisfaction with parathyroidectomy.

Adult↗

A new approach to parathyroidectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To decrease the operative time for parathyroidectomy in patients with hypercalcemic (primary) hyperparathyroid disease, a combination of preoperative localization of a parathyroid tumor with an effective nuclear scan (scintigram) and intraoperative monitoring of parathyroid hormone (quick parathyroid hormone measurement) to ensure excision of all hyperfunctioning tissue was studied. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: For many years, persistent hypercalcemia after parathyroidectomy (3% to 10%) has been constant and is usually due to the surgeon's failure to remove all hyperfunctioning glands. A marked decrease in parathormone level after excision of a single large gland predicts operative success and a return to normal calcium levels. Conversely, persistent high levels of parathyroid hormone indicate excess secretion by another gland(s) and the need for further exploration. Recently Tc-99m-sestamibi (MIBI) scintigraphy was shown to be more effective in localizing parathyroid tumors than previous methods. A combination of both techniques could be useful to the surgeon if they improve the operative success rate and are cost-effective. METHODS: Parathyroidectomy was performed on 18 patients with primary hyperparathyroid disease, with tumors localized by MIBI scintigrams. When excision of the identified parathyroid gland was accomplished, the operation was terminated and quick parathyroid hormone was measured to confirm that all hyperfunctioning tissue was removed. RESULTS: Sixteen patients with positive results of scintigram had successful parathyroidectomies confirmed by quick parathyroid hormone measurement with a cervical approach. Two patients with mediastinal tumors localized by MIBI scintigraphy could not be resected using this approach. One false-positive/false-negative scintigram was obtained. Compared with patients having parathyroidectomy without localization and hormone monitoring, the average operative time was shortened from 90 to 36 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: Localization and successful excision of parathyroid tumors with confirmation that no other hyperfunctioning glands were present by quick parathyroid hormone monitoring can predict a return to normal calcium levels and a decrease in operative time in parathyroidectomy.

Humans↗

"Limited" parathyroidectomy in geriatric patients.

OBJECTIVE: Elderly patients with primary hyperparathyroidism accompanied by other diseases are often denied referral for parathyroidectomy because of the associated risks of general anesthesia and bilateral neck exploration. However, marked symptomatic improvement is recognized after successful parathyroidectomy. The purpose of this report is to examine the postoperative outcome of geriatric patients undergoing "limited" parathyroidectomy. METHODS: Since 1993, 291 consecutive patients with primary hyperparathyroidism were treated with "limited" parathyroidectomy guided by preoperative localization and intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay. In 34 of the procedures (29 initial, 5 reoperations), the patient was 75 years or older; these patients are the subject of this report. Patients were followed up for serum calcium, parathyroid hormone levels, and symptomatology. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were followed up for 31 (range 6-84) months: all remained normocalcemic after single gland excision guided by intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay. Another six patients in the immediate postoperative period had normocalcemia. One patient had persistent hypercalcemia. Unilateral neck exploration was possible in 29 patients. The average operating time for initial parathyroidectomy was 50 (range 20-130) minutes. Nineteen patients were eligible for ambulatory surgery. Seven were discharged without an overnight stay, 11 had a 23-hour "social" admission, and one was kept overnight after a prolonged surgical procedure. Permanent hypoparathyroidism and laryngeal nerve injury were not observed. The mortality rate related to the procedure was 0%; there was one postoperative (do not resuscitate) death caused by colonic hemorrhage. With an average follow-up of 2 years, 64% of the patients had marked improvement of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Adjunctive use of preoperative localization and intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay has made "limited" parathyroidectomy a safe, effective treatment option in geriatric patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Adenoma↗

Impact of parathyroidectomy on neutrophil cytosolic calcium in chronic kidney disease patients: a prospective parallel group trial.

OBJECTIVES: Polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs) of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients display elevated basal cytosolic calcium concentrations (iCa(2+)). As parathyroid hormone is considered to substantially contribute to the inappropriate cellular entry of calcium in uraemia, we hypothesized that parathyroidectomy lowers PMN iCa(2+). DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective parallel group trial at a tertiary care centre. SUBJECTS, INTERVENTION AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Two patient cohorts (cohort 1: 14 CKD patients; cohort 2: 14 renal transplant recipients) underwent parathyroidectomy for uncontrolled secondary hyperparathyroidism. We assessed PMN iCa(2+) (primary objective) spectrofluorimetrically 1 day before and 20 days after intervention (secondary objective: PMN glucose uptake). Data were compared with those of 16 matched maintenance haemodialysis patients (cohort 3), and to 15 healthy subjects (cohort 4), by generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: PMN iCa(2+) of cohort 1 decreased over time and was significantly higher than that of cohort 3 before but not after parathyroidectomy [mean difference before/after parathyroidectomy: 19.1 nmol L(-1) (95% confidence interval: 9.4-22.4), P =0.0003/-3.2 (-20.9-14.5), P = 0.71]. PMN iCa(2+) of cohort 2 decreased over time, but we found no significant difference in comparison with cohort 3 [mean difference before/after parathyroidectomy: 6.5 nmol L(-1) (-9.4-22.4), P = 0.4/-15.8 (-43.6-12.0), P = 0.25]. PMN iCa(2+) of all CKD patients was substantially higher in comparison with that of healthy subjects [cohort 4 vs. 3: -35.3 (-48.9-21.6), P < 0.001]. PMN glucose uptake increased significantly in both interventional cohorts in comparison with cohort 3. CONCLUSIONS: Parathyroidectomy lowers, but does not normalize PMN iCa(2+) of CKD patients. Further variables, possibly uraemic retention solutes, control both PMN iCa(2+) and functional responses.

Adult↗

Parathyroidectomy in the calcimimetic era.

With the introduction of the calcimimetic cinacalcet HCl, some patients who would previously have undergone parathyroidectomy are likely to remain on medical therapy. Data is available on complication rates and some important outcome measures of parathyroidectomy, but the efficacy of calcimimetics to influence patient-based endpoints such as cardiovascular mortality and renal osteodystrophy has not been established. Nevertheless, cinacalcet HCl has been demonstrated to improve levels of calcium, phosphate, the calcium phosphate product and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Based on available data, parathyroidectomy is proposed as the preferred treatment option when averaged levels of intact PTH (iPTH) exceed 85-95 pmol/L despite optimal therapy. When iPTH levels exceed 50 pmol/L, parathyroidectomy should be considered if levels of serum calcium, phosphate or the calcium phosphate product are above established target ranges or when patients with established osteoporosis have progressive loss of bone mineral density. Because the currently-recommended biochemical targets are difficult to achieve and maintain for many patients on dialysis, parathyroidectomy rates are likely to increase if these management proposals are followed. This highlights the need for prospective studies with 'hard' endpoints, to establish evidence-based roles for parathyroidectomy and calcimimetic therapy.

Chronic Kidney Disease-Mineral and Bone Disorder↗

Effect of parathyroidectomy on cardiac fibrosis and apoptosis: possible role of aldosterone.

BACKGROUND/AIM: It has been demonstrated that parathyroidectomy prevents left ventricular hypertrophy in uremic animals. Although this effect may be mediated by direct actions of parathormone (PTH), it may also be exerted through regulation of profibrotic factors such as aldosterone. In adrenal cortex cell cultures, PTH increases aldosterone release. The objective of this work is to assess the effect of parathyroidectomy on aldosterone levels and on cardiac fibrosis and apoptosis in uremic rats. METHODS: Four groups of rats were studied: C, control; 5/6Nx, 5/6 nephrectomy; PTx, parathyroidectomy, and 5/6NxPTx, 5/6 nephrectomy plus parathyroidectomy. Thirty days after the last surgical procedure the animals were sacrificed. Serum creatinine, ionized calcium, aldosterone, PTH, cardiac weight, fibrosis and apoptosis were measured. RESULTS: Serum creatinine levels were significantly higher in 5/6Nx and 5/6NxPTx groups (1.62 +/- 0.21 and 1.38 +/- 0.15 mg/dl) than in C and PTx groups (0.66 +/- 0.02 and 0.47 +/- 0.01 mg/dl, p < 0.001). Potassium levels were significantly higher in the 5/6Nx and 5/6NxPTx groups (5.2 +/- 0.3 and 5.4 +/- 0.3 mg/dl) than in the C group (4.3 +/- 0.06 mg/dl, p < 0.05). Values in 5/6Nx and 5/6NxPTx groups were not significantly different from each other. PTH levels were significantly higher in the 5/6Nx group (470.5 +/- 156.3 microg/ml) than in the controls (102.3 +/- 14.3 microg/ml). PTH levels in the PTx group (1.78 +/- 0.52 microg/ml) and in the 5/6NxPTx group (81.64 +/- 32.15 microg/ml) were similar to control values. Ionized calcium was lower in PTx and 5/6NxPTx groups (0.80 +/- 0.07 and 0.89 +/- 0.07 mmol/l) as compared with C and 5/6Nx groups (1.14 +/- 0.01 and 0.96 +/- 0.01 mmol/ l, p < 0.01). The heart weight as percentage of the body weight increased significantly in 5/6Nx animals (4.20 +/- 0.15%) compared to the C group (3.41 +/- 0.27%, p < 0.05); parathyroidectomy reversed the heart weight increment in the 5/6NxPTx animals (3.58 +/- 0.16%). Myocardial fibrosis was significantly higher in the 5/6Nx group (12.5 +/- 1.1%) than in the C group (7.3 +/- 1.5%, p < 0.001); in the 5/6NxPTx animals fibrosis returned towards control values (8.9 +/- 0.2%). Myocardial apoptosis rose significantly in 5/6Nx animals (24.3 +/- 1.2%) compared to the C group (6.7 +/- 0.83%, p < 0.001); parathyroidectomy reversed the apoptosis in the 5/6NxPTx animals (10.4 +/- 0.49%). Aldosterone levels increased significantly in the 5/6Nx group (2,461 +/- 257 pg/ml) compared to the C group (703 +/- 81 pg/ml, p < 0.001); in the 5/6NxPTx animals aldosterone levels were below control values (509 +/- 99 pg/ml). CONCLUSIONS: Uremia was associated to myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis and apoptosis. Surgically induced hypoparathyroidism prevented the development of these disorders. Our results suggest that in the remnant kidney rat model myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis, and apoptosis are mediated by high circulating aldosterone levels. Aldosterone, in turn, may be regulated by PTH.

Aldosterone↗

Bone mineral recovery after parathyroidectomy in patients with primary and renal hyperparathyroidism.

Patients with hyperparathyroidism (HPT) generally display reduced bone mass due to excessive PTH activity. The effect of parathyroidectomy on bone mass changes in different types of HPT, however, is not well understood. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured in the distal radius, total body, femoral neck, and lumbar spine by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry in four groups of patients with different hyperparathyroid conditions: primary symptomatic HPT (n = 54), primary asymptomatic (mild) HPT (n = 24), HPT associated with hemodialysis (n = 20), and HPT associated with renal transplant (n = 30). Subsets of patients with primary symptomatic HPT (n = 52), HPT associated with hemodialysis (n = 19), and HPT associated with renal transplant (n = 15) underwent parathyroidectomy, and bone density was measured longitudinally for 3 yr. Patients with primary asymptomatic (mild) HPT did not undergo surgery and were followed prospectively. Before surgery, all groups showed a greater reduction of bone mineral density in cortical bone (distal radius) than in predominantly trabecular bone (lumbar spine). In primary symptomatic HPT, the BMD z-score of the distal radius was -1.80 +/- 0.21 (+/-SEM), and the corresponding figures for the total body, femoral neck, and lumbar spine were -0.60 +/- 0.15, -0.54 +/- 0.14, and -0.53 +/- 0.18 compared with those of an age- and sex-matched reference group. In renal HPT BMD z-scores were -2.51 +/- 0.38 (hemodialysis patients) and -2.83 +/- 0.43 (renal transplant patients) for the distal radius and between -0.81 and -1.46 for the other measured sites. After parathyroidectomy, BMD increased by 1-8% at all sites in patients with primary symptomatic HPT and HPT associated with renal transplant. The largest increase in bone mass was observed in patients with HPT associated with hemodialysis, in whom the improvement amounted to 7-23%. In patients with primary HPT and HPT associated with hemodialysis, this increase in bone density resulted in virtual recovery from their preoperative bone loss. The majority of patients with asymptomatic primary HPT disease (n = 21) maintained their bone density during the follow-up period and have not shown evidence of increases in serum calcium or PTH levels, but three patients followed conservatively underwent parathyroidectomy due to progressive deterioration of BMD. We conclude that, regardless of the etiology, a large proportion of HPT patients show reduced bone density. In patients with primary symptomatic HPT and patients with HPT associated with hemodialysis, bone density increases after parathyroidectomy to an extent that largely restores the preoperative bone loss. However, no anabolic effect of parathyroidectomy on bone mass was observed in patients with HPT associated with renal transplant, probably because of their immunosuppressive therapy.

Bone Density↗

Healing of skin necrosis and regression of anticardiolipin antibodies achieved by parathyroidectomy in a dialyzed woman with calcific uremic arteriolopathy.

AIM: To present the impact of parathyroidectomy on the spontaneous healing of necrotic lesions of the skin of the lower leg and on anticardiolipin antibodies regression in a 68-year-old female dialyzed patient with hyperparathyroidism and calcific-uremic arteriolopathy (CUA). METHODS: After the occurrence of initial lesions of the lower leg skin, the intact parathyroid (iPTH) level, calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) product were measured, and on two occasions at 6-week intervals, the titer of anticardiolipin antibodies was determined, followed by a clinical monitoring of the progress of necrotic skin lesions. Two months after the occurrence of the skin lesions, the patient's right leg was amputated below the knee due to gangrene, and a histopathological analysis of the skin tissue sample of the amputated lower leg was made. After parathyroidectomy, iPTH, Ca x P product were measured, and on two occasions at 6 weeks' intervals, anticardiolipin antibodies titer was determined, followed by a clinical monitoring of lesions of the left lower leg skin. RESULTS: Before parathyroidectomy, iPTH level and Ca x P product were increased, as well as IgG anticardiolipin antibody titer measured on two occasions 6 weeks apart. The histopathological analysis of the skin tissue sample of the amputated right lower leg showed mural calcification of artery walls and thrombotic occlusions of small arteries, arterioles, and dermal capillaries, in addition to epidermolysis. A week after parathyroidectomy, iPTH level and Ca x P product were within normal range. Two measurements 6 weeks apart revealed no anticardiolipin antibodies. Eight weeks after parathyroidectomy, spontaneous healing of necrotic skin lesions of the left lower leg was observed. CONCLUSION: Regression of anticardiolipin antibodies, normalization of Ca x P product, and healing of the skin lesions after parathyroidectomy all pointed to the elevated PTH level as a crucial factor in the pathogenesis of CUA.

Aged↗

[Indications and efficacy of parathyroidectomy in the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic renal failure: our experience].

Although secondary hyperparathyroidism is improved by pharmacological therapy; 10-30% of patients with chronic renal failure undergo parathyroidectomy. The authors report on their experience with 66 cases of secondary hyperparathyroidism surgically treated over the period from January 1991 to December 2002. The surgical indications included: persistent hypercalcaemia, osteodystrophy with bone fractures, joint pain, itching and ectopic calcifications. The median preoperative parathyroid hormone level was 400 pg/ml. The operations performed were: subtotal parathyroidectomy (PTX 7/8) in 43 cases; total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation (PTXt + At) in 13 cases; total parathyroidectomy (PTXt) alone in 6 cases and incomplete parathyroidectomy (PTXi) in 4 cases. The immediate results were satisfactory in each group. Calcium levels reverted to normal 24-48 hours postoperatively in 37 patients with PTX 7/8, in 11 patients with PTXt + At, in 5 patients with PTXt; 4 patients with PTXi showed a reduction, but no normalization, of calcium levels. Almost all patients, except those undergoing PTXi, showed an acceptable reduction in PTH levels in 25-35 days. Secondary hyperparathyroidism relapsed in 3 cases with PTXt + At and in 2 cases with PTX 7/8, while it proved persistent in 50% of patients with PTXi and in 7% of patients with PTX 7/8. Patients with PTXt mainly showed a substantial reduction of calcium levels. Parathyroidectomy is indispensable for the treatment of secondary hyper-parathyroidism. In our opinion, PTX 7/8 is the surgical treatment of choice because it is the easiest technique to perform and has the lowest relapse rate.

Adult↗

Management of calcium refilling post-parathyroidectomy in end-stage renal disease.

BACKGROUND: Management of post-parathyroidectomy hypocalcemia in dialysis patients is not well defined. We reviewed published approaches to treatment in an effort to define a clinical algorithm for controlling serum calcium levels post-operatively. METHODS: We conducted a PubMed search for the years 1980-2003 with the keywords "hypocalcemia" and "parathyroidectomy". Only English language and human subject abstracts were analyzed, and only those articles dealing with secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism (HPTH) were reviewed further. Other articles were extracted from cross-referencing. RESULTS: We initially examined 146 articles. This review summarizes the findings of the relevant articles along with our own practice regarding post-parathyroidectomy hypocalcemia management in dialysis patients. The vast majority of patients require intravenous (i.v.) calcium supplements after surgery. There are no available controlled studies on calcium supplementation for post-parathyroidectomy hypocalcemia in this patient population. Calcitriol supplementation proved valuable in two studies. CONCLUSIONS: Post-parathyroidectomy hypocalcemia is a common complication, which can be prevented and treated with oral and i.v. calcium supplementation and/or active vitamin D metabolites. Daily follow-up of both serum calcium and phosphorus are mandatory to prevent this major post-operative complication. Based on the available evidence, we propose a protocol for the prevention and treatment of post-parathyroidectomy hypocalcemia, for use in clinical practice. This approach requires validation by a controlled clinical trial.

Administration, Oral↗

[Renal hyperparathyroidism's control after subtotal parathyroidectomy].

UNLABELLED: Parathyroidectomy, in any of its forms, is considered an effective short-term treatment of renal hyperparathyroidism in patients who are not being controlled with drugs. Nevertheless, the outcome in the medium and long term of the various surgical procedures is still unclear and seems a controversial issue. We conducted a prospective study of 15 patients undergoing subtotal parathyroidectomy who were followed up for a period of 48 months after surgery. All patients were included in hemodialysis programmes. Elevated levels of parathyroid hormone which did not decrease with drug therapy recommended parathyroidectomy. The aim of our study is to determine whether subtotal parathyroidectomy is an effective technique in the medium and long term. As regards the results obtained, the levels of parathyroid hormone and calcemia remarkably decreased during the follow-up period, if compared to pre-surgery levels. The level of alkaline phosphatase also showed a reduction and the "hungry bone effect" was observed. The phosphorus and Ca-P product levels only showed a significant reduction immediately after surgery but showed an increment from the first year after surgery onwards. Hemoglobin levels did not show any alteration after parathyroidectomy. In two patients we observed a relapse of hyperparathyroidism. The anatomopathological examination revealed nodular hyperplasia in most of the cases, including the two relapses. CONCLUSION: Subtotal parathyroidectomy is an effective surgical procedure in the medium-term treatment of renal hyperparathyroidism.

Adult↗

Effects of parathyroidectomy on left ventricular mass in patients with hyperparathyroidism.

The effects of parathyroidectomy on left ventricular muscle volume and mechanical performance were evaluated echocardiographically in 24 patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism due to chronic renal failure and in 7 with primary hyperparathyroidism. Intraventricular septum and posterior wall thickness, left ventricular end-diastolic diameters, shortening fraction, ejection fraction, and left ventricular mass index were measured by M mode recording by the parasternal short axis view prior to parathyroidectomy as baseline and repeated 12 months after parathyroidectomy. Serum basal carboxyterminal parathyroid hormone levels in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (34.4 +/- 13.7 ng/ml) were significantly higher than in those with primary hyperparathyroidism (3.4 +/- 5.1 ng/ml; p < 0.0001). At 12 months after parathyroidectomy, intraventricular septum and posterior wall thickness, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and left ventricular mass index were reduced from 11.8 +/- 3.1 mm, 10.9 +/- 1.7 mm, 53.8 +/- 6.3 mm, 200.8 +/- 57.1 g/m2 to 10.0 +/- 2.1 mm (p < 0.05), 9.8 +/- 1.9 mm (p < 0.05), 50.7 +/- 7.2 mm (p < 0.05), 149.6 +/- 38.7 g/m2 (p < 0.0001), in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism. In patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, all echocardiographic parameters remained in the normal range and did not show any significant changes before or after parathyroidectomy. From this study, parathyroid hormone at extremely high concentrations as seen in secondary hyperparathyroidism appears to be a cardiotoxic substance. Therefore, all patients with secondary hyperthyroidism should be examined by echocardiography and parathyroidectomy should be considered if myocardial hypertrophy is present.

Adult↗

Incidental parathyroidectomy during thyroid surgery does not cause transient symptomatic hypocalcemia.

OBJECTIVES: To identify any risk factors for incidental parathyroidectomy and to define its association with symptomatic postoperative hypocalcemia. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Tertiary referral cancer center. PATIENTS: Consecutive patients who underwent thyroid surgery between 1991 and 1999. Patients who underwent procedures for locally advanced thyroid cancer requiring laryngectomy, tracheal resection, or esophagectomy were excluded. INTERVENTIONS: All pathology reports were reviewed for the presence of any parathyroid tissue in the resected specimen. Slides were reviewed, and information regarding patient demographics, diagnosis, operative details, and postoperative complications was collected. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Identification of parathyroid tissue in resected specimens and postoperative symptomatic hypocalcemia. RESULTS: A total of 141 thyroid procedures were performed: 69 total thyroidectomies (49%) and 72 total thyroid lobectomies (51%). The findings were benign in 68 cases (48%) and malignant in 73 cases (52%). In the entire series, incidental parathyroidectomy was found in 21 cases (15%). Parathyroid tissue was found in intrathyroidal (50%), extracapsular (31%), and central node compartment (19%) sites. The performance of a concomitant modified radical neck dissection was associated with an increased risk of unplanned parathyroidectomy (P =.05). There was no association of incidental parathyroidectomy with postoperative hypocalcemia (P =.99). Multivariate analysis identified total thyroidectomy as a risk factor for postoperative hypocalcemia (P =.008). In the entire study group, transient symptomatic hypocalcemia occurred in 9 patients (6%), and permanent hypocalcemia occurred in 1 patient who underwent a total thyroidectomy and concomitant neck dissection. CONCLUSIONS: Unintended parathyroidectomy, although not uncommon, is not associated with symptomatic postoperative hypocalcemia. Modified radical neck dissection may increase the risk of incidental parathyroidectomy. Most of the glands removed were intrathyroidal, so changes in surgical technique are unlikely to markedly reduce this risk.

Adolescent↗