Changes in insulin sensitivity and glucose and bone metabolism over time in patients with asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism.
OBJECTIVE
The clinical profile of asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) has shifted from a symptomatic disorder toward a more subtle, asymptomatic state. The lack of knowledge about the natural course of asymptomatic PHPT contributes to the controversy regarding the optimal management of these patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the natural course of calcium and glucose metabolism abnormalities, insulin sensitivity, and bone mineral density (BMD) in subjects with asymptomatic PHPT over 18 months.


METHODS
The study was designed as a prospective observational examination of asymptomatic PHPT patients at baseline and at 6-month intervals for 18 months.


METHODS
Our study examined 61 patients with asymptomatic PHPT and 80 healthy control subjects matched for age, sex, and body mass index. We evaluated calcium metabolism, glucose metabolism by oral glucose tolerance test, insulin sensitivity by homeostasis model assessment index, and BMD by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at distal radius, lumbar spine, and femur.


RESULTS
Although in asymptomatic PHPT patients, homeostasis model assessment index at baseline was slightly higher than in controls (3.0 +/- 2.2 vs. 2.2 +/- 1.3; P = 0.035), the prevalence of preexisting diabetes mellitus (13.1 vs. 11.3%), undiagnosed impaired fasting glucose (34.4 vs. 30%), impaired glucose tolerance (13.1 vs. 18.8%), and newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus (4.9% vs. 2.5%) was similar. Baseline BMDs (g/cm2) at all three sites were not different between two groups. Six-month interval measurements showed no change in calcium metabolism parameters including serum calcium, phosphorus, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and 24-h calcium excretion. No significant longitudinal adverse changes were noted in glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, or BMD at any site over the 18-month observation period.


CONCLUSIONS
Our follow-up of patients with asymptomatic PHPT revealed no progression of calcium and glucose metabolism abnormalities, insulin sensitivity, and loss of BMD during the 18-month study period.
Ayturk
Semra
S
Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, 06490 Bahcelievler, Ankara, Turkey.
Gursoy
Alptekin
A
Bascil Tutuncu
Neslihan
N
Ertugrul
Derun Taner
DT
Guvener Demirag
Nilgun
N
D000368:Aged; D015519:Bone Density; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000378:metabolism*; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism*; D005951:Glucose Tolerance Test; D006801:Humans; D049950:Hyperparathyroidism, Primary / Q000378:metabolism*; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone / Q000097:blood; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors
D007328:Insulin; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone; D005947:Glucose; D002118:Calcium