Primary hyperparathyroidism and familial hyperparathyroid syndromes.
BACKGROUND
Ninety percent of cases of hypercalcaemia are due to primary hyperparathyroidism or hypercalcaemia of malignancy.


OBJECTIVE
This article outlines the diagnostic features of primary hyperparathyroidism and determines who would benefit from parathyroidectomy. It also aims to raise awareness of familial hyperparathyroid syndromes.


CONCLUSIONS
Diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism requires hypercalcaemia, elevated or inappropriately normal serum parathyroid hormone and a fractional urinary excretion of calcium greater than 0.02. Many patients benefit from parathyroidectomy, which has a high rate of cure.
Blackburn
Miriam
M
Department of Endocrinology, University of New South Wales, St. George Hospital Campus. miriam_blackburn@yahoo.com
Diamond
Terry
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006934:Hypercalcemia; D006961:Hyperparathyroidism; D049950:Hyperparathyroidism, Primary / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018761:Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1; D018813:Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2a; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone / Q000097:blood
D010281:Parathyroid Hormone