title: Secondary hyperparathyroidism is an expected consequence of parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism: a prospective study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) can cause secondary hyperparathyroidism, with increased serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and normal or low serum calcium concentrations.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective study investigated 78 consecutive patients who underwent exploration for PHPT. Serum intact PTH and total calcium concentrations were measured the evening after operation and ionized Ca++ the following morning. These levels were reassayed 1 week later.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Before operation, the mean PTH level was 138 +/- 15 pg/mL, total calcium concentration was 11.6 +/- 0.1 mg/dL, and ionized Ca++ concentration was 1.44 +/- 0.02 mmol/L. On the night of the operation, the PTH level was 11 +/- 2 pg/mL, and the total calcium concentration was 8.9 +/- 0.1 mg/dL. Fifty-five patients had hypoparathyroidism, with a PTH level less than 10 pg/mL. The day after the operation, the ionized Ca++ level was 1.14 +/- 0.01 mmol/L. One week later, PTH, ionized Ca++, and total serum calcium concentrations returned to normal levels. In 9 patients (12%), PTH levels were increased (98 +/- 16 pg/mL), although ionized Ca++ concentrations were normal (1.18 +/- 0.02 mmol/L), demonstrating secondary hyperparathyroidism. Risk factors for postoperative secondary hyperparathyroidism included older age, symptomatic hyperparathyroidism, higher preoperative PTH and alakaline phosphatase levels, and lower serum phosphorous levels. In 70% of these patients, PTH levels returned to normal in 3 to 12 months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Secondary hyperparathyroidism occurs in 12% of patients after surgical treatment of PHPT. It is transient, possibly compensating for relative hypocalcemia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Md. 21287, USA.
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Mandal
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Udelsman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006961:Hyperparathyroidism / Q000601:surgery; D006962:Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone / Q000097:blood; D016105:Parathyroidectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D010281:Parathyroid Hormone; D002118:Calcium