The Effect of Parathyroidectomy on Risk of Hip Fracture in Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

Parathyroidectomy restored bone mineral density in a neglected femoral neck fracture with renal osteodystrophy: A case report

BACKGROUND

This case report contributes to the medical literature by highlighting the successful management of a neglected femoral neck fracture in a patient with renal osteodystrophy and secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPTH) who was on dialysis due to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It underscores the efficacy of parathyroidectomy (PTX) in restoring bone mineral density (BMD) and promoting fracture healing, addressing a significant complication in ESRD patients.

CASE SUMMARY

A 36-year-old female with renal osteodystrophy and on dialysis due to ESRD presented with a history of left patellar tendon rupture and later, a right achilles tendon avulsion fracture. Persistent right hip pain led to the discovery of a neglected right femoral neck fracture, which was initially overlooked due to the patient's complex medical history. Two months post-achilles tendon repair, the patient underwent PTX to manage the refractory SHPTH. The postoperative course included rehabilitation and weight-bearing exercises. Remarkably, 2 years after osteosynthesis, radiographic assessments indicated a solid union of the periprothesis fracture and significant improvement in BMD, showcasing the efficacy of the treatment approach.

CONCLUSION

PTX, combined with appropriate rehabilitation, is crucial for improving BMD and fracture healing in ESRD patients with SHPTH.

Reversal of complete atrioventricular block in dialysis patients following parathyroidectomy: A case report

BACKGROUND

Refractory secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a common complication observed in patients with end-stage renal disease and can result in ectopic calcification. Metastatic calcification involving the heart valves and the conduction system can easily lead to arrhythmias, including atrioventricular block. This case report describes a maintenance hemodialysis patient with refractory SHPT resulting in a complete atrioventricular block (CAVB), which was eventually reversed to a first-degree atrioventricular block.

CASE SUMMARY

We present the case of a 31-year-old Asian female who was receiving maintenance hemodialysis because of lupus nephropathy. She developed SHPT, and an electrocardiogram revealed a first-degree atrioventricular block. Then, she underwent parathyroidectomy (PTX) with autotransplantation. Unfortunately, a few years later, she developed SHPT again, and an electrocardiogram revealed a CAVB. A few years after the second PTX surgery, the calcification of the left atrium and left ventricle improved, and her CAVB was reversed.

CONCLUSION

This case revealed that metastatic cardiac calcification can result in complete atrioventricular blockage. Following parathyroid surgery, calcification of the cardiac conduction system improved, leading to reversal of the atrioventricular block. It is important for dialysis patients to optimize intact parathyroid hormone therapy and pay attention to calcification metastasis.

Morbidity and long-term outcome of surgery for renal hyperparathyroidism: results from a prospective cohort

PURPOSES

Surgery remains an important treatment option for renal hyperparathyroidism (rHPT). The number of long-term outcome studies of parathyroidectomy is limited.

METHODS

All consecutive patients with a parathyroidectomy for rHPT between 09/2009 and 04/2021 in a Belgian tertiary referral hospital were prospectively enrolled. The main outcomes were (long-term) cured proportion and postoperative morbidity (hypocalcemia, recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy, re-intervention for bleeding, and wound morbidity).

RESULTS

Sixty patients with a median age of 57 years were analyzed, including 23 patients before kidney transplantation, 23 patients without kidney transplantation, and 14 patients after kidney transplantation. Median time to transplant was 15 (6-24) months after parathyroidectomy. Morbidity was low with only two non-urgent returns to theatre (wound infection and non-compressive hematoma), two temporary RLN paralyses, and no 30-day mortality. Length of hospital stay was longer in patients with parathyroidectomy before kidney transplant, due to a more severe and prolonged need for calcium supplementation. After a median follow-up of 63 months, 37 patients (62%) were still alive, and 11 patients (18%) developed a recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

This single-surgeon, single-center cohort with long-term follow-up confirms the safety and excellent 'cure' proportions of surgery for rHPT but stretches the importance of long-term follow-up.

Massive hemorrhage arising of inferior thyroid artery by radiofrequency ablation for secondary hyperparathyroidism: Two case reports

PATIENT CONCERNS AND DIAGNOSIS

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a common complication of chronic kidney disease. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a safe and minimally invasive treatment for SHPT, which can effectively reduce the level of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Inferior thyroid artery (ITA) is a rare and dangerous complication, We report two cases of ITA bleeding caused by RFA. Intraoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) can accurately show the source and scope of bleeding. Ultrasound guided RFA and compression hemostasis were successful.

INTERVENTIONS

During the operation, CEUS was used to detect ITA bleeding, bleeding range and location quickly and accurately at the early stage, and ultrasound guided compression and RFA were used to treat small bleeding points. ITA bleeding was timely and effectively controlled, and the bleeding range was limited to pseudoaneurysm.

OUTCOMES

The patient received antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy for 2 days, and the pseudoaneurysm was filled with thrombus 36 hours and 72 hours after surgery. Later, the ultrasonography examination showed that the hematoma was gradually absorbed and contracted.

CONCLUSION

Although RFA is a safe and minimally invasive treatment for secondary hyperparathyroidism, rupture and bleeding of the ITA are rare and dangerous. CEUS can quickly and accurately judge bleeding, bleeding range and location in the early stage. Ultrasound guided compression and RFA of small ITA bleeding points can timely and effectively control bleeding, limit the bleeding range to pseudoaneurysms, and close themselves.

Parathyroidectomy for dialysis patients in the era of calcimimetics: The surgeons' point of view

Calcimimetics is a new drug for lowering serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium and phosphate in patients with hyperparathyroidism (HPT) on long-term dialysis. It became available on market in 2006. The impact of calcimimetics on the treatment by parathyroidectomy (PTx) was reviewed from the surgeons' point of view. Cure of renal HPT by calcimimetics is not feasible, but calcimimetics can improve preoperative cardiac ventricle ejection fractions by lowering serum PTH. Heart failure is not necessarily a contraindication for PTx. PTx should be done before irreversible organ damage occurs. Limb gangrenes is an ominous sign and should be prevented by frequent checkup for peripheral arterial circulation. The impact of renal osteodystrophy on the quality of life and as indirect cause of mortality deserves more attention in patients with renal HPT. Delayed referral to PTx leads to more complicated patients. A consensus between nephrologists and surgeons about propitious timing for PTx is necessary. Future prospect on the surgical treatment of renal HPT is proposed. Supplemental figure; http://links.lww.com/ASAIO/A782.

The Influence of Parathyroidectomy on Osteoporotic Fractures in Kidney Transplant Recipients: Results from a Retrospective Single-Center Trial

Kidney transplant (KTx) recipients are a high-risk population for osteoporotic fractures. We herein aim to identify the role of pre-transplant parathyroidectomy (PTX) and other modifiable factors associated with osteoporotic fractures in KTx recipients. We conducted a retrospective study involving 711 adult patients (4608 patient-years) who were transplanted at our center between January 2007 and June 2015. Clinical data were extracted from patients' electronic medical records. Different laboratory and clinical parameters for mineral bone disease (MBD) and osteoporosis, including medication, were evaluated. We chose fracture events unrelated to malignancies or adequate trauma as the primary endpoint. Osteoporotic fractures occurred in 47 (6.6%) patients (median 36.7 months, IQR 45.9) after KTx (fracture incidence of 10 per 1000 person-years). Prior to KTx, subtotal PTX was performed in 116 patients (16.3%, median time 4.2 years before KTx, IQR 5.0). Of the patients with fracture (n = 47), only one (2.2%) patient had previously undergone PTX. After adjusting for the known fracture risk factors MBD and osteoporosis, PTX remained a protective factor against fractures (HR 0.134, CI 0.018-0.991, p = 0.049). We observed a reduced risk for pathological fractures in KTx patients who underwent PTX, independent from elevated parathyroid hormone at the time of KTx or afterwards.

OUP accepted manuscript

Background

Several studies have reported on the use of intraoperative parathyroid hormone (ioPTH) measurements during parathyroidectomy (PTX) for renal hyperparathyroidism (rHPT), but there is no consensus on whether it is helpful and, if so, what protocol should be used. Therefore, the literature was systematically reviewed to assess a correlation between ioPTH and early postoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in patients undergoing PTX for rHPT, separately for those on dialysis and those with a functioning renal transplant.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed in electronic databases. Quality assessment was performed using the Quality In Prognosis Studies tool. Mean ioPTH values were calculated at different time points and correlated to the postoperative PTH levels within 1 month. Fixed-effect and random-effects models were performed to assess the mean ioPTH levels at 10 or 20 min after resection (T10 and T20). Stratified analyses were performed for patients on dialysis and those with a functioning renal transplant.

Results

Of the 3087 records screened, 14 studies were included, including some 1177 patients; 1091 were on dialysis and 86 had a functioning kidney transplant. Risk of bias was moderate for most studies. For patients on dialysis, T10 and T20 mean ioPTH levels were 32.1 (95 per cent c.i. 24.3 to 39.9) pmol/l and 15.4 (95 per cent c.i. 7.8 to 22.9) pmol/l) in the random effects meta-analysis. Between individual studies, ioPTH ranged from 4.0–65.1 pmol/l at T10 and 8.6–25.7 pmol/l at T20. T10 and T20 ioPTH were 9.6 and 4.1 times the postoperative PTH—after T20 ioPTH stabilized in those on dialysis. In patients with a functioning renal transplant, ioPTH levels seemed to plateau after 10 min and measured 2.6 times the postoperative PTH.

Conclusion

There is a strong correlation between ioPTH and early postoperative PTH levels, indicating that ioPTH is potentially a useful instrument during PTX in patients with rHPT. For patients on dialysis, at T20 ioPTH levels have stabilized and are approximately four times the postoperative PTH. Therefore, it is recommended to use ioPTH 20 min after resection in patients on dialysis, which might be longer than necessary for those with a kidney transplant.

Value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in radiofrequency ablation of secondary hyperparathyroidism

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the current study was to determine the performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the assessment of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hyperplastic parathyroid glands due to secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT).

METHODS

Thirty-two patients, each with ≥4 hyperplastic parathyroid glands due to SHPT, underwent RFA via hydro-dissection. CEUS was performed in each patient before and during RFA. The patients in whom the intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) level did not decrease to 300 pg/ml were examined by CEUS. The iPTH, serum calcium, and serum phosphorus levels before and after RFA were compared.

RESULTS

Ablation was achieved in all patients (131 ablated glands). The volume of the glands was 479.88 ± 549.3mm3. The pre-operative and day 1 post-operative iPTH levels were 2355 ± 1062 and 292.7 ± 306.8 pg/ml, respectively. Three nodules in three patients showed little enhancement on CEUS on post-operative day 1. The iPTH level was <300 pg/mL on post-operative day 1 in 23 patients, which indicated complete ablation; follow-up evaluations were therefore performed. The pre- and post-operative iPTH levels in the 23 patients were 2113 ± 787.2 and 106.2 ± 84.62 pg/ml, respectively (p < 0.05), and the 6- and 12-month post-operative iPTH levels were 111.1 ± 56.57 and 117.6 ± 97.08 pg/ml, respectively (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

CEUS-guided RFA is effective and feasible for the treatment of ≥4 hyperplastic parathyroid glands. CEUS was shown to assist the surgeon before, during, and after RFA. CEUS on post-operative day 2, but not immediately post-operatively, was shown to accurately reflect gland perfusion.

Predictors of Bone Mineral Density Improvement after Parathyroidectomy for Secondary Hyperparathyroidism: A Retrospective Single-Center Analysis

Background

Parathyroidectomy (PTx) reportedly increases bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). To date, however, there has not been sufficient evidence on predictors of BMD improvement post-PTx for SHPT, an issue the present retrospective cohort study aimed to address.

Methods

A total of 173 SHPT patients who underwent total PTx with forearm autograft between 2009 and 2017 were included in the present study. Demographic information, perioperative laboratory data and pre- and post-PTx BMD values (measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) were collected from their medical records. The change in BMD post-PTx in the lumbar spine was evaluated as the primary outcome. Then, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed for a ≥ 10% increase in BMD post-PTx.

Results

Overall, the median BMD in the lumbar spine was increased by 8.7% post-PTx. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age ≥ 70 years (P = 0.005; odds ratio [OR], 0.138; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.034–0.555), serum Ca level (P = 0.017; OR, 0.598; 95% CI: 0.392–0.911) and pre-PTx BMD in the lumbar spine (P = 0.003; OR, 0.013; 95% CI: 0.001–0.229) were negatively associated with a ≥ 10% increase in BMD post-PTx.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that presurgical age, serum Ca levels and BMD values could better predict an improvement in BMD post-PTx in SHPT patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00268-021-06186-1.

Ectopic and supernumerary parathyroid glands in patients with refractory renal hyperparathyroidism

BACKGROUND

The aims of this study were to determine the rate of ectopic and supernumerary parathyroid glands and the outcome of surgical therapy in patients with refractory renal hyperparathyroidism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of all patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for refractory renal hyperparathyroidism was completed. Operative and pathology reports were reviewed, and the number and location of resected parathyroid glands, patient outcomes, and follow-up were determined.

RESULTS

During the period 1993-2019, a total of 68 patients underwent subtotal or total parathyroidectomy for renal hyperparathyroidism. Of those, 59 patients (87%) were on dialysis for an average of 6.7 years. We determined that 18 patients (26%) had 24 ectopic parathyroid glands, including 9 (13%) patients with 11 supernumerary glands. A total of 2 patients had a supernumerary gland in a normal anatomic location. Of the 24 ectopic glands, 14 (58%) were in the thymus. After parathyroidectomy, 4 patients (5.9%) had persistent hyperparathyroidism, 6 patients (8.8%) developed recurrent hyperparathyroidism, and 2 patients (3%) had permanent hypoparathyroidism.

CONCLUSION

Ectopic and supernumerary parathyroid glands occurred in 26% and 16% of patients with renal hyperparathyroidism, respectively, and the thymus was the most common location. Thorough neck exploration and transcervical thymectomy are important to help reduce persistent and recurrent hyperparathyroidism after parathyroidectomy for renal hyperparathyroidism.

Is There a Gender Difference in Clinical Presentation of Renal Hyperparathyroidism and Outcome after Parathyroidectomy?

Introduction

Gender has been proven to influence the pathophysiology and treatment of numerous diseases, including kidney diseases and hormonal dysfunction like hyperparathyroidism. Thus, higher parathormone levels have been demonstrated in women with end-stage kidney disease, when compared to men.

Objectives

We questioned whether female gender is associated with an increased risk for parathyroid nodular hyperplasia and necessary parathyroidectomy in dialysis patients and assessed demographics as well as outcome data for women and men undergoing parathyroidectomy for renal hyperparathyroidism.

Patients and Methods

One hundred and thirty patients (men = 75, female = 55) with end-stage renal disease on chronic dialysis and advanced secondary hyperparathyroidism who underwent parathyroidectomy between 2008 and 2014 at our center were analyzed retrospectively. Perioperative characteristics and short-term outcome were evaluated with respect to biological gender.

Results

No differences could be demonstrated for patient demography, comorbidities and the perioperative course between males and females. Only preoperative calcium levels were lower in female than in male patients (2.3 ± 0.19 vs. 2.3 ± 0.26, p = 0.04). There were more women, however, with cerebrovascular complications during follow-up (p = 0.04). There was no postoperative mortality, and all complications and comorbidities with exception of cerebrovascular diseases were equally distributed between female and male patients.

Conclusion

Overall, we could not demonstrate many significant differences between male and female patients with end-stage renal diseases, chronic dialysis and operated secondary hyperparathyroidism. Only preoperative electrolyte levels were higher in male than in female patients, and cerebrovascular complications developed more often in females than in males during long-term follow-up.

Secondary and Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism: A Narrative Review

End-stage renal disease is often complicated by the occurrence of secondary and eventually tertiary hyperparathyroidism, characterized by increased parathormone, calcium, and phosphate concentrations. Related symptoms include pruritus and osteodynia, concentration difficulties, and feelings of depression may be present. In the long-term, end-stage renal disease patients with hyperparathyroidism have an increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Among treatment options are vitamin D supplements, phosphate binders, calcimimetics, and surgical parathyroidectomy. Determining the optimal treatment for the individual patient is challenging for nephrologists and endocrine surgeons. This review resumes the pathogenesis of hyperparathyroidism, clinical presentation, required diagnostic work-up, and discusses indications for the available treatment options for patients with secondary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism.

Total versus subtotal parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism

BACKGROUND

It remains unclear whether total or subtotal parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism yields the best outcomes. We investigated mortality, cardiovascular events, hip fracture, and recurrent parathyroidectomy after total versus subtotal parathyroidectomy in patients on renal replacement therapy.

METHODS

Using the Swedish Renal Registry, the surgical registry for thyroid and parathyroid surgery, and the National Inpatient Registry, we identified patients who underwent parathyroidectomy between 1991 and 2013. We calculated the risk of outcome after total versus subtotal parathyroidectomy using COX's regression, adjusting for age, sex, cause of renal disease, time with a functioning graft before and after parathyroidectomy, Charlson comorbidity index, year of surgery, prevalent cardiovascular disease, time on dialysis, renal transplantation at parathyroidectomy, and treatment with calcimimetics before parathyroidectomy.

RESULTS

There were 824 patients who underwent parathyroidectomy, 388 total and 436 subtotal. There was no difference in mortality or risk of incident hip fracture between groups. Comparing the subtotal with the total parathyroidectomy, the adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for cardiovascular events was 0.43 (0.25-0.72) and for recurrent parathyroidectomy 3.33 (1.33-8.32).

CONCLUSION

There was a higher risk of cardiovascular events in patients after total parathyroidectomy compared with subtotal parathyroidectomy, but a lower risk of recurrent parathyroidectomy.

Novel insights into parathyroid hormone: report of The Parathyroid Day in Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is often associated with a mineral and bone disorder globally described as CKD-Mineral and Bone Disease (MBD), including renal osteodystrophy, the latter ranging from high bone turnover, as in case of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), to low bone turnover. The present article summarizes the important subjects that were covered during ‘The Parathyroid Day in Chronic Kidney Disease’ CME course organized in Paris in September 2017. It includes the latest insights on parathyroid gland growth, parathyroid hormone (PTH) synthesis, secretion and regulation by the calcium-sensing receptor, vitamin D receptor and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23)–Klotho axis, as well as on parathyroid glands imaging. The skeletal action of PTH in early CKD stages to the steadily increasing activation of the often downregulated PTH receptor type 1 has been critically reviewed, emphasizing that therapeutic strategies to decrease PTH levels at these stages might not be recommended. The effects of PTH on the central nervous system, in particular cognitive functions, and on the cardiovascular system are revised, and the reliability and exchangeability of second- and third-generation PTH immunoassays discussed. The article also reviews the different circulating biomarkers used for the diagnosis and monitoring of CKD-MBD, including PTH and alkaline phosphatases isoforms. Moreover, it presents an update on the control of SHPT by vitamin D compounds, old and new calcimimetics, and parathyroidectomy. Finally, it covers the latest insights on the persistence and de novo occurrence of SHPT in renal transplant recipients.

Changes in bone mineral density after total parathyroidectomy without autotransplantation in the end-stage renal disease patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism

Background

The patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) usually had reduced bone mineral density, which might lead to a substantial increase in osteoporosis, fracture and mortality. Although surgical intervention is effective in reducing parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in suitable candidates refractory to medical therapy, the effect of surgery on bone mass changes still requires further evaluation. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of BMD changes after total parathyroidectomy (PTX) without autotransplantation and its associated factors.

Methods

The records of 34 patients who underwent successful total PTX without autotransplantation with a preoperative and postoperative dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan in our institution within 4 years of operative intervention were reviewed. Correlation and regression analysis were used to identify factors that independently predict BMD changes.

Results

At baseline, we found that the prevalence of osteoporosis seemed to be much higher in the load-bearing lumbar spine than in the hip, varying greatly even between different lumbar vertebrae. The bone loss in SHPT had its predilection site in the load-bearing cancellous bone. After curative total PTX without autotransplantation, BMD improved significantly in both lumbar spine and hip overall. The largest increase in BMD occurred at L4 vertebrae with the lowest pre-operative BMD. At the most affected site L4, BMD improved in up to 94.1% of patients: 86.2% had significant improvement, 5.9% moderate improvement, and 5.9% declining bone mineral density. Correlation and regression analysis suggested that percentage changes in BMD were predicted negatively by the preoperative BMD and positively by the preoperative parathyroid mass but not intact PTH levels.

Conclusion

Total parathyroidectomy without autotransplantation could improve BMD of secondary hyperparathyroidism at L1-L4 and the hip. Furthermore, the large parathyroid glandular mass and the preoperative BMD predicted the BMD changes after surgery.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12882-018-0934-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Targeted surgical parathyroidectomy in end-stage renal disease patients and long-term metabolic control: A single-center experience in the current era

BACKGROUND

The long-term results of surgical parathyroidectomy (PTX) in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients are less well known in the modern era of newer activated vitamin-D analogs, calcimimetics and intraoperative monitoring of parathyroid hormone (PTH).

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of all ESRD patients undergoing PTX at the University of Mississippi Medical Center between January 2005 and August 2011, with follow-up data as available up to 4 years. All PTXs were performed with intraoperative second-generation PTH monitoring and targeted gland size reduction.

RESULTS

The cohort (N = 37) was relatively young with a mean (±SD) age of 48.4 ± 13.9. 94.6% of the subjects were African American and 59.5% female. Preoperatively, 45.9% received cinacalcet (CNC) at a mean dose of 63.5 ± 20.9 mg. The size of the largest removed glands measured 1.7 ± 0.8 cm and almost all (94.6%) glands had hyperplasia on histology. The mean length of inpatient stay was 5.5 ± 2.4 days. Preoperative calcium/phosphorus measured 9.6 ± 1.2/6.6 ± 1.7 mg/dL with PTH concentrations of 1589 ± 827 pg/mL. Postoperative PTH values measured 145.4 ± 119.2 pg/mL. Preoperative PTH strongly correlated (P < 0.0001) with both alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels (r: 0.596) and the number of inpatient days (r: 0.545), but not with CNC administration. Independent predictors for the duration of hospitalization were preoperative ALP (beta 0.469; P = 0.001) and age (beta -0.401; P = 0.005) (R² 0.45); for postoperative hypocalcemia, age (beta: -0.321; P = 0.006) and preoperative PTH (beta: 0.431; P = 0.036) were significant in linear regression models with stepwise selection.

CONCLUSION

Gland-sparing PTX achieved acceptable control of ESRD-associated hyperparathyroidism in most patients from a socioeconomically challenged, underserved population of the United States.