Hyperparathyroidism: A seven-year follow-up

Hyperparathyroidism (HPT) is a common finding in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Most chronic peritoneal dialysis (CPD) patients with HTP can be successfully managed with phosphate binders, calcium supplements, and calcitriol therapy. Noncompliance with diet, prescribed binder, or calcitriol therapy may also lead to HPT. We reviewed New Haven CAPD unit patients who failed medical therapy and required parathyroidectomy (PTX) for control of severe HPT [sustained immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (iPTH) level > 600 pg/mL]. From 1990 to 1997, 18 out of 620 patients (3.0%) required PTX. Time on dialysis prior to PTX was 44.8 +/- 17.5 (mean +/- SD) months with a range of 13 to 71 months. The mean age was 43.6 +/- 11.8 years with a range of 30 to 66 years. There were 10 females and 8 males. Of the 18 patients, 14 had total parathyroidectomy with arm implants, and 4 had subtotal PTX. Seven of 18 patients had iPTH levels of < 100 pg/mL at I year post-PTX (5 patients with arm implants, 2 with subtotal PTX). Three patients required partial arm implant PTX to correct recurrent HPT Pulse oral calcitriol (POC) was prescribed in 10 patients post PTX to maintain iPTH at target levels. Parathyroidectomy was necessary to correct HPT in 18 of 620 CPD patients fr om 1990 to 1997 The majority of these patients had excellent results after their PTX. Intact PTH levels of < 100 pg/mL for I year or more were noted in 5 of 14 patients with arm implants, and 2 of 4 patients with subtotal PTX The significance of a persistent iPTH of < 100 pg/mL has yet to be determined in CPD patients.