The effect of parathyroidectomy on bone fracture risk in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.
BACKGROUND
Parathyroidectomy may increase bone density in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), but it is unclear whether fracture risk is decreased.


OBJECTIVE
Parathyroidectomy decreases fracture risk.


METHODS
Retrospective cohort study with median follow-up of 6.5 years.


METHODS
Twelve regional hospitals in California.


METHODS
One thousand five hundred sixty-nine patients with PHPT.


METHODS
Parathyroidectomy or observation. Main Outcome Measure Fracture-free survival.


RESULTS
Mean initial calcium, parathyroid hormone, and creatinine levels were 11.2 mg/dL (2.8 mmol/L), 123.0 pg/mL, and 0.9 mg/dL (79.6 micromol/L), respectively. Parathyroidectomy was performed in 452 (28.8%) patients, and 1117 (71.2%) were observed. The 10-year fracture-free survival after PHPT diagnosis was 73% in patients treated with parathyroidectomy compared with 59% in those observed (hazard ratio [HR], 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.38-0.73; P < .001). Parathyroidectomy decreased the 10-year hip fracture rate by 8% (P = .001) and the upper extremity fracture rate by 3% (P = .02). Parathyroidectomy was independently associated with a decreased fracture risk (HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.47-0.98), whereas female sex (HR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.19-2.80) and increased creatinine level (HR per 1-mg/dL [88.4-micromol/L] increment, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.22-3.46) remained independently associated with an increased fracture risk. Age of 50 years or older (HR, 1.62; 95% CI, 0.99-2.66), initial parathyroid hormone level (HR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.99-1.02), and calcium level (HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.75-1.37) were not independently associated with fracture risk after adjusting for all other variables.


CONCLUSIONS
Parathyroidectomy is associated with a decreased risk of fracture in PHPT. The largest decrease was in hip fractures. Parathyroidectomy should be considered for all patients with PHPT to reduce fracture risk, regardless of age or calcium or parathyroid hormone levels.
VanderWalde
Lindi H
LH
Department of Surgery, Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA.
Liu
In-Lu Amy
IL
O'Connell
Theodore X
TX
Haigh
Philip I
PI
D015519:Bone Density; D002140:California / Q000453:epidemiology; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D049950:Hyperparathyroidism, Primary / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016105:Parathyroidectomy; D016016:Proportional Hazards Models; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors