Another Comparison of Surgery and Observation for Mild Hyperparathyroidism

Parathyroidectomy was associated with improved bone-mineral density at the spine and hip 1 year later.

Several previously published randomized trials have examined the effects of surgery in patients with mild asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism. In this latest trial from Italy, 50 patients (mean age, 65; 92% women) with mild asymptomatic hyperparathyroidism were randomized to parathyroidectomy or observation. About half the patients had osteoporosis at baseline.

At 1 year, mean bone-mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine had increased by 4% in the surgery group and had decreased by 1% in the observation group, a significant difference. A similar difference was noted at the hip, but not the radius. On four of eight domains on a quality-of-life survey, mean scores improved significantly in the surgery group compared with the observation…

Reviewing Author

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose