Surgical treatment of hyperparathyroidism improves health-related quality of life.
OBJECTIVE
The surgical treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism results in an improved health-related quality of life.


METHODS
Prospective cohort analysis of consecutive patients with primary hyperparathyroidism analyzed preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively.


METHODS
Academic multispecialty referral clinic.


METHODS
We prospectively evaluated 74 consecutive patients who underwent parathyroid exploration for primary hyperparathyroidism during a 15-month period.


METHODS
The Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) was administered before consultation with a surgeon. Patients were categorized based on reason for referral as either asymptomatic (group 1; n = 43) or symptomatic (group 2; n = 29). All patients underwent parathyroid exploration and normalization of calcium levels postoperatively. The SF-36 was then re-administered after 1 year.


METHODS
Statistical analysis of preoperative and postoperative SF-36 scores, and comparisons with national norms.


RESULTS
The SF-36 was completed preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively by 72 (97%) of 74 patients. When the results were compared with published national norms, the preoperative population was significantly impaired in 5 of 8 domains, whereas the postoperative one had improved and was nearly indistinguishable from the norm. In 7 of 8 domains, the postoperative scores were significantly improved compared with preoperative scores. Group 1 patients showed significant preoperative impairment in 3 domains and significantly improved in 2, whereas group 2 patients showed significant impairment and improvement in 7 domains.


CONCLUSIONS
The surgical treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism is associated with durable, statistically significant improvements in health-related quality of life.
Sheldon
David G
DG
Section of General, Vascular, and Thoracic Surgery, Virginia Mason Medical Center, PO Box 900 C6-GSUR, 1100 Ninth Ave, Seattle, WA 98111, USA. gtsjar@vmmc.org
Lee
Faye T
FT
Neil
Nancy J
NJ
Ryan
John A
JA
D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D006961:Hyperparathyroidism / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016105:Parathyroidectomy; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors