An economic comparison of surgical and medical therapy in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism--the German perspective

Pre-Transplant Calcimimetic Use and Dose Information Improves the Accuracy of Prediction of Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism after Kidney Transplantation: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Tertiary hyperparathyroidism (THPT) is characterized by elevated parathyroid hormone and serum calcium levels after kidney transplantation (KTx). To ascertain whether pre-transplant calcimimetic use and dose information would improve THPT prediction accuracy, this retrospective cohort study evaluated patients who underwent KTx between 2010 and 2022. The primary outcome was the development of clinically relevant THPT. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate pre-transplant calcimimetic use as a determinant of THPT development. Participants were categorized into four groups according to calcimimetic dose, developing two THPT prediction models (with or without calcimimetic information). Continuous net reclassification improvement (CNRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were calculated to assess ability to reclassify the degree of THPT risk by adding pre-transplant calcimimetic information. Of the 554 patients, 87 (15.7%) developed THPT, whereas 139 (25.1%) received pre-transplant calcimimetic treatment. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that pre-transplant calcimimetic use was significantly associated with THPT development. Pre-transplant calcimimetic information significantly improved the predicted probability accuracy of THPT (CNRI and IDI were 0.91 [p < 0.001], and 0.09 [p < 0.001], respectively). The THPT prediction model including pre-transplant calcimimetic information as a predictive factor can contribute to the prevention and early treatment of THPT in the era of calcimimetics.

Cost-Effectiveness and Clinical Outcomes of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism Treatments in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

The study addresses the challenge of treating secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, focusing on the cost-effectiveness of surgical versus pharmacological interventions. Conducting a retrospective analysis on 152 CKD patients with SHPT at the Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, the study matched 80 patients into two groups: 40 undergoing parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation (PTX + AT) and 40 treated with calcimimetics. PTX + AT was more effective in alleviating symptoms, particularly bodily pain, and demonstrated greater cost-effectiveness over a long-term period compared to calcimimetics. This was especially significant in patients with PTH levels > 1800 pg/mL and hyperphosphatemia. Despite similar initial costs, PTX + AT led to a substantial decrease in expenses during the 2-5 years post-treatment period, PTX + AT results in an ICER of -RMB 26.71/QALY for the first post-treatment year and -RMB-111.9k/QALY for the 2-5 year period, indicating cost-effectiveness with reduced long-term costs. The study also found an increased economic burden in managing patients with hyperphosphatemia. Surgical intervention (PTX + AT) is advocated as the primary treatment strategy for severe SHPT in CKD patients, owing to its long-term economic and clinical advantages. The results underscore the need for a severity-based approach in treating SHPT.

Factors Associated With Persistent Post-transplant Hyperparathyroidism After Index Renal Transplantation

INTRODUCTION

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHP) is common in end-stage renal disease and may progress to persistent post-transplant hyperparathyroidism (PTHP) following renal transplantation (RT). We sought to describe the frequency and determine factors associated with the incidence of PTHP for patients undergoing RT at a single institution that restricts RT for patients with uncontrolled SHP with a parathyroid hormone (PTH) of >800pg/mL at time of initial transplant evaluation.

METHODS

We conducted a single-institution retrospective study of adults undergoing index RT from 2012 to 2020 who had a calcium and PTH level within 12 mo prior to RT and at least 6 mo following RT. PTHP was defined as calcium of >10 mg/dL with an elevated PTH > 88pg/mL at six or more months following RT. Univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression were performed for factors associated with developing PTHP.

RESULTS

We identified 1110 patients with RT, 65 were excluded for prior RT, 549 did not have a pre-RT and post-RT calcium, and PTH laboratories for inclusion, yielding 496 for analysis. Following RT, 39 patients (7.9%) developed PTHP, compared to those who did not develop PTHP; these patients had significantly higher pre-RT PTH, pre-RT calcium, and frequency of calcimimetic therapy. In multivariable logistic regression factors significantly associated with PTHP were pre-RT calcium of more than 10 mg/dL with an odds ratio (OR) of 3.57 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.52-8.39, P = 0.003) and pre-RT calcimimetic therapy with an OR 1.30 (95% CI 1.06-2.85, P = 0.041). Compared with patients who had a pre-RT PTH of less than 200 pg/mL, a PTH of 200-399 pg/mL increased risk of PTHP with an OR of 4.52 (95% CI 1.95-21.5, P = 0.048) and a PTH of > 400 pg/mL increased risk of PTHP with an OR of 7.17 (95% CI 1.47-34.9, P = 0.015). In this cohort, 11 patients (28.2%) with PTHP underwent parathyroidectomy (PTx) at a mean of 1.4 y post-RT (standard deviation 0.87).

CONCLUSIONS

For patients required to have a PTH < 800pg/mL for initial transplant candidacy, the subsequent incidence of PTHP is relatively low at 7.9%. Risk factors for PTHP include higher pre-RT calcium and PTH levels and pre-RT calcimimetic therapy. PTx remains underused in the treatment of PTHP. Further study is warranted to determine the optimal PTH cutoff for transplant candidacy and recommendation for PTx in patients requiring calcimimetic therapy for SHP.

Predictors of early postoperative hypocalcemia in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism undergoing total parathyroidectomy

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the clinical features of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in patients with chronic renal failure and to explore the predictive factors of postoperative hypocalcemia after total parathyroidectomy in these patients.

METHODS

The clinical data of 87 patients admitted to Guangdong Electric Power Hospital from May 2013 to February 2020 were reviewed. All patients underwent total parathyroid resection and sternocleidomastoid microtransplantation. Age, sex, and the serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) concentrations were analyzed as predictive factors of postoperative hypocalcemia.

RESULTS

Bone pain was the most common clinical manifestation in this study population, and all 87 patients experienced relief from their clinical symptoms after the surgical procedure. Age and the preoperative serum calcium, ALP, and iPTH concentrations were determined to be early predictive factors of postoperative hypocalcemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Age and the preoperative calcium, ALP, and iPTH concentrations are independent risk factors for postoperative hypocalcemia in patients with SHPT and renal disease who undergo total parathyroidectomy with sternocleidomastoid microtransplantation. These factors can help identify high-risk patients who can be managed by a multidisciplinary team to improve graft survival and quality of life.

Total parathyroidectomy versus total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation for secondary hyperparathyroidism: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Total parathyroidectomy (tPTX) and total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation (tPTX + AT) are effective and inexpensive treatments for secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT), but we do not know which one is the optimal approach. Therefore, we undertook a meta-analysis to compare the safety and efficacy of these two surgical procedures.

Methodology: Studies published in English on PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library from inception to 27 September 2016 were searched systematically. Eligible studies comparing tPTX with tPTX + AT for sHPT were included and Review Manager v5.3 was used.

Results: Eleven studies were included in this meta-analysis. Ten cohort studies and one randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 1108 patients with sHPT were identified. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of surgical complications (relative risk [RR], 1.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77–3.79; p = .19), all-cause mortality (RR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.33–1.39; p = .29), sHPT persistence (RR, 3.81; 95% CI, 0.56–25.95; p = .17) or symptomatic improvement (RR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.91–1.13; p = .79). tPTX could reduce the risk of sHPT recurrence (RR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.09–0.41; p < .0001) and reoperation because of recurrence or persistence of sHPT (RR, 0.46; 95% CI 0.24–0.86; p = .01) compared with tPTX + AT. Simultaneously, tPTX increased the risk of hypoparathyroidism (RR, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.06–6.51; p = .04).

Conclusions: We found tPTX and tPTX + AT to be useful methods for sHPT treatment. tPTX was superior for reducing the risk of sHPT recurrence and reoperation than tPTX + AT but, due to a lack of high statistical-power RCTs, comparative studies will be needed in the future.

Parathyroid Nodular Hyperplasia and Responsiveness to Drug Therapy in Renal Secondary Hyperparathyroidism: An Open Question

The goal of the pharmacological therapy in secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is to reduce serum levels of parathyroid hormone and phosphorus, to correct those of calcium and vitamin D, to arrest or reverse the parathyroid hyperplasia. However, when nodular hyperplasia or an autonomous adenoma develops, surgery may be indicated. We reviewed the literature with the aim of defining if the echographic criteria predictive of unresponsiveness of SHPT to calcitriol therapy are valid also in the cinacalcet era and if drug therapy may reverse nodular hyperplasia of parathyroid gland (PTG). The responsiveness to therapy and regression of the nodular hyperplasia of PTG remains an open question in the calcimimetic era as well as the cutoff between medical and surgical therapy. Prospective studies are needed in order to clarify if an earlier use of cinacalcet in moderate SHPT might arrest the progression of parathyroid growth and stabilize SHPT.

The Value of the Model and Quantitative Parameters of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Judging the Severity of SHPT

Using the model and quantitative parameters of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to assess the severity of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) was proposed. 42 SHPT patients who underwent CEUS examination were divided into three groups, light, moderate, and heavy as per parathyroid hormone (PTH). The process of CEUS was divided into two phases, wash-in phase and wash-out phase. The three groups were analyzed with their enhancing model in the two phases. The quantitative parameters of CEUS such as Arrival Time (AT), Time to Peak (TTP), Mean Transit Time (MTT), and Maximum Intensity (IMAX) were measured by time-intensity curve (TIC) and compared among the three groups. The enhancing model of light SHPT, moderate SHPT, and heavy SHPT showed statistical significance in wash-in phase and wash-out phase (P < 0.05). No difference was observed in AT and TTP among the three groups (P > 0.05) while MTT and IMAX showed statistical significance (P < 0.05). The CEUS of light SHPT was characterized by "slow-in, fast-out, and lower-enhancement" with short enhancement time; the CEUS of moderate SHPT was characterized by "fast-in, fast-out, and higher-enhancement" with slightly long enhancement time; the CEUS of heavy SHPT was characterized by "fast-in, slow-out, and higher-enhancement" with long enhancement time. Therefore, the model and quantitative parameters of CEUS can be benefit for the assessment of the severity of SHPT.

Evaluation of Parathyroidectomy for Secondary and Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism by the Parathyroid Surgeons' Society of Japan

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) remains a serious complication in patients with chronic kidney disease, and some patients require parathyroidectomy. The Parathyroid Surgeons' Society of Japan (PSSJ) evaluated parathyroidectomy for SHPT and tertiary hyperparathyroidism (THPT) in Japan. The annual numbers of parathyroidectomies between 2004 and 2013 were evaluated using questionnaires. Since 2010, the PSSJ has registered the patients. In total, 826 patients from 42 institutions were registered. The annual number of parathyroidectomies for SHPT and THPT in Japan increased from 2004 to 2007 and then decreased markedly after 2007, with 296 operations performed in 2013. The number of women and men was almost equal (397/427). Median (interquartile range) age of these patients was 59.0 (24-87) years, the duration of hemodialysis before parathyroidectomy was 10.83 (0.0-38.7) years, and diabetic nephropathy was 87/826 (10.5%). Of these patients 59.6% were treated with cinacalcet at undergoing parathyroidectomy. In 75.3% of patients, a total parathyroidectomy with forearm autograft was performed. In 77.7% of patients, four or more parathyroid glands were removed during the initial operation. The incidences of husky voice and wound hemorrhage were 2.9% and 1.1%, respectively. The number of parathyroidectomies for SHPT in Japan decreased markedly after the introduction of cinacalcet. Based on the evaluation of registered patients, parathyroidectomies have been successfully performed at the institutions participating in the PSSJ.

The Significance of Ultrasound in Determining Whether SHPT Patients Are Sensitive to Calcitriol Treatment

This study was to explore the significance of ultrasound in determining whether the patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) are sensitive to calcitriol treatment. According to the decrease value of parathyroid hormone (PTH), 42 SHPT patients were divided into two groups: drug susceptible group and drug insusceptible group. These 42 SHPT patients' ultrasound images were retrospectively analyzed. The morphology, size, number, blood flow, elastic modulus, and perfusion of the parathyroid glands were correlated with drug therapeutic outcome (oral calcitriol). Most SHPT patients with drug susceptible showed volume <438.50 mm³ and number ≤2, with 0-1 structural and vascular patterns, associated with Relative Maximum Intensity (RIMAX) <1.59 and elastic modulus <18.8 kPa, whereas most SHPT patients with drug insusceptible showed volume ≥438.50 mm³ and number ≥3, with 2-3 structural and vascular patterns, associated with Relative Maximum Intensity (RIMAX) ≥1.59 and elastic modulus ≥18.8 kPa. Therefore, ultrasonography in SHPT allows an accurate definition of the morphology, size, number, blood flow, elastic modulus, and perfusion of the parathyroid glands and is useful in determining whether SHPT patients are sensitive to calcitriol treatment.

Role of surgery in the treatment of renal secondary hyperparathyroidism

Surgery is cost-effective

Total parathyroidectomy with trace amounts of parathyroid tissue autotransplantation as the treatment of choice for secondary hyperparathyroidism: a single-center experience

Background

The aim of the study was to evaluate total parathyroidectomy with trace amounts of parathyroid tissue (30 mg) as a surgical option in secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT) treatment.

Methods

From January 2008 to March 2012, 47 patients underwent parathyroidectomy. Comparisons of demographic data, symptoms, and preoperative or postoperative biochemistry were made between total parathyroidectomy with trace amounts of parathyroid tissue autotransplantation group and total parathyroidectomy group.

Results

Out of 47 cases, 45 had successful operation. 187 parathyroid glands identified at the initial operation were reported in 47 patients. 43 patients had been diagnosed with parathyroid hyperplasia, and 4 patients had a benign adenoma. After operation, pruritus, bone pain and muscle weakness disappeared, also serum PTH and serum phosphate were declined markedly as well. After discharge, two patients (in total parathyroidectomy group) were readmitted because of postoperative hypoparathyroidism. Graft-dependent recurrence was not observed in an average follow-up of 42 months.

Conclusions

Total parathyroidectomy with sternocleidomastoid muscle trace amounts of parathyroid tissue autotransplantation is considered to be a feasible, safe and effective surgical option for the patients with sHPT.

Short- and long-term impact of subtotal parathyroidectomy on the achievement of bone and mineral parameters recommended by clinical practice guidelines in dialysis patients: a 12-year single-center experience

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The short- and long-term impact of parathyroidectomy (PTX) on the parameters of mineral bone disease in dialysis patients with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) remains unclear.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of 401 consecutive dialysis patients who underwent subtotal PTX by one surgeon was performed. We checked serum levels of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) for 3 consecutive days, and then monthly for Ca, P, and tri-monthly for iPTH postoperatively. Patients with available laboratory data within the 1st to 6th postoperative months were included in the short-term follow-up group and those with at least 6 months available data were in the long-term follow-up one.

RESULTS

Patients (short-term group, n = 401, and long-term group, n = 94) had severely uncontrolled serum iPTH levels, Ca, P and Ca × P before PTX. In the short-term group, percentages of cases achieving K/DOQI targets for serum Ca, Ca × P, and iPTH and KDIGO ones for serum Ca, P, and iPTH after PTX, significantly improved compared with those before operation (all p < 0.05). In the long-term group (mean follow-up of 43 ± 29 months), the percentage of achieved targets for serum iPTH in both guidelines and for serum Ca and Ca × P in the K/DOQI recommendation also improved postoperatively (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Achievements of K/DOQI recommended values for serum Ca, Ca × P, iPTH and KDIGO recommendations for iPTH can be successfully reached by subtotal PTX in medically refractory, secondary HPT in dialysis patients both during short- and long-term follow-ups.

Healthcare use and costs before and after parathyroidectomy in patients on dialysis

BACKGROUND

Parathyroidectomy (PTX) is often performed in dialysis patients when medical treatment fails to control secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). PTX is viewed by many as a cost-containing measure for patients who have been treated with vitamin D analogs and calcimimetics. Yet, information about health resource utilization and costs before and after PTX is limited.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study used professional service and pharmacy claims to identify subjects on dialysis undergoing PTX from 1/1/2008-12/31/2010. Only subjects with at least six months of information before and after PTX were considered. Subjects with primary hyperparathyroidism or kidney transplant were excluded. Prescription use, physician encounters, and surgical complications were compared during the six months immediately before and after PTX.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) age of the 181 study subjects was 51 (15) years; 59% female; and 80% insured by Medicare. Overall, the percentage of patients receiving medications to manage altered mineral metabolism increased from 67% before to 79% after PTX. Specifically, oral vitamin D use increased, while the utilization of cinacalcet decreased resulting in mean (SD) monthly medication charges decreasing from $486 (507) to $226 (288) (p < 0.01). The mean (SD) number of physician encounters rose from 15 (14) before to 21 (22) per 6 months after PTX (p < 0.01) resulting in the corresponding increase in mean (SD) monthly charges from $1531 (2150) to $1965 (3317) (p = 0.08). Hypocalcemia was the predominant diagnosis recorded for post-surgical physician encounters occurring in 31% of all subjects; 84% of hypocalcemic episodes were managed in acute care facilities.

CONCLUSIONS

The cost of medications to manage SHPT decreased after PTX largely due to reduction in cinacalcet use, whereas vitamin D use increased likely to manage hypocalcemia. The frequency and cost of physician encounters, especially in acute care settings, were higher in the 6 months after PTX attributable largely to episodes of severe hypocalcemia. Overall, the reduction in prescription costs during the 6 months after PTX is outweighed by the higher costs associated with physician care.

Achievement of the National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative: recommended serum calcium, phosphate and parathyroid hormone values with parathyroidectomy in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism

Purpose

The National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (NKF-K/DOQI) 2003 has established guidelines for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in patients with chronic kidney disease - minerals and bone disorder (CKD-MBD). This study evaluated parathyroidectomy in SHPT patients for the achievement of the NKF-K/DOQI-recommended values of serum calcium, phosphate, and parathyroid hormone (PTH).

Methods

Between January 2005 and December 2010, parathyroidectomy was performed as recommended by the NKF-K/DOQI guidelines in 81 patients with SHPT and CKD-MBD. Serum PTH, calcium, and phosphate levels were measured prior to and 6, 12, 36, and 60 months after parathyroidectomy.

Results

Calcium, phosphate, and PTH levels dropped shortly after parathyroidectomy; however, a slight increase showed in the long term. Calcium levels increased for up to 60 months. Phosphate and PTH levels increased for up to 36 months but tended to decrease slightly at 60 months. The mean values were within the target ranges, except for PTH at 36 months. The target parameters of serum phosphate (42.9-61.1% of patients) and serum calcium (a peak of 61.1% of patients at 36 months, but only 28.6% at 60 months) were achieved the most. Less than 34% of patients achieved the recommended range for PTH.

Conclusion

Parathyroidectomy was not an optimal procedure for achieving all the biochemical parameters recommended by the NKF-K/DOQI. Although it was helpful in attaining the recommended values for serum calcium and phosphate in SHPT patients resistant to medical therapy, the PTH levels did not fall within the recommended range.

Cinacalcet effects on the perioperative course of patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism

PURPOSE

Since its registration in 2004, the calcimimetic agent cinacalcet has been established as an alternative treatment for secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). Working by allosteric activation of the calcium-sensing receptor, cinacalcet can lower parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcium (Ca) in patients with SHPT. The influence of calcimimetics on the perioperative course has been unclear so far.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients with primary operation for SHPT between 2004 and 2011, comparing the perioperative course of patients with and without preoperative cinacalcet treatment.

RESULTS

Fifty-six patients had cinacalcet therapy, and 54 patients had no calcimimetic medication prior to surgery. Gender, age, hemodialysis, and medical treatment were similar in both groups. Also, PTH levels were similar preoperatively and postoperatively (preoperative, 1,249 ± 676 vs. 1,196 ± 601 pg/ml; postoperative, 86 ± 220 vs. 62 ± 91 pg/ml). Patients with cinacalcet preoperatively had significant lower Ca levels preoperatively (2.49 ± 0.25 vs. 2.61 ± 0.24 mmol/l) and postoperatively (1.75 ± 0.37 vs. 1.86 ± 0.35 mmol/l) and had a higher rate of oral Ca substitution postoperatively (93 vs. 74 %). The risk for postoperative persistent disease was slightly higher in these patients compared to those without preoperative cinacalcet therapy (5 vs. 0 %, not significant).

CONCLUSIONS

In our experience, cinacalcet did not alter the perioperative course in SHPT patients.

Parathyroidectomy for the attainment of NKF-K/DOQI™ and KDIGO recommended values for bone and mineral metabolism in dialysis patients with uncontrollable secondary hyperparathyroidism

PURPOSE

The National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (NKF-K/DOQI™) 2003 and Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) 2009 have established guidelines for the treatement of secondary hyperparathyroidism. This study evaluated the impact of parathyroidectomy to achieve recommended values for parathyroid hormone, calcium, phosphorus and CaxPO(4) product in dialysis patients with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism that is resistant to medical treatment.

METHODS

This study included 43 consecutive patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for a severe form of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) that is unresponsive to medical treatment. The serum iPTH, calcium and phosphorus levels were measured prior to surgery, every morning after surgery for 5 days and on the first, sixth and eighth postoperative months.

RESULTS

Following parathyroidectomy, a significant decline in iPTH values was observed in all patients; however, after the 8-month study period, only one of these patients achieved a serum iPTH concentration within the K/DOQI recommended target range. Unlike iPTH, targeting for calcium, phosphorus and CaxPO(4) at the last follow-up were 55.8%, 60.5% and 93%, respectively. These values indicated a significant improvement in comparison to preoperative percentages. In regards to the KDIGO recommended guidelines, the iPTH levels did not significantly change at the end of our study compared to preoperative values; however, calcium levels significantly declined and phosphorus levels significantly improved compared to preoperative values.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the majority of patients fail to reach recommended iPTH values, parathyroidectomy remains a valuable tool to attain these NKF-K/DOQI recommendations for serum calcium, phosphorus and CaxPO(4) in dialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism resistant to medical therapy. Parathyroidectomy was shown to be an inadequate intervention for achieving KDIGO recommendations.

Cinacalcet as alternative treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism: achievements and prospects

Primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT), which most frequently occurs asymptomatically, is a common endocrine disease associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The newly introduced management guidelines as well as the recent availability of the first calcimimetic offer a highly promising therapeutic option for patients with pHPT. Cinacalcet, the first available calcimimetic, increases the sensitivity of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaR) to circulating serum calcium, thereby safely reducing serum calcium and PTH concentrations in patients with mild-to-moderate pHPT, intractable disease, and also parathyroid carcinoma. Cinacalcet has proved efficient in short- and long-term controls of hypercalcemia and, though bone mineral density was not improved, the available data point to cinacalcet as the treatment of choice in non-operable patients with pHPT. These results encompass a wide spectrum of disease severity. Results are pending as to whether cinacalcet decreases mortality and morbidity in pHPT, confirmation of which would conclusively recommend this drug as a valid alternative to surgery.