Improvement of hypertension after parathyroidectomy of patients suffering from primary hyperparathyroidism

Improvement of hypertension control and left-ventricular function after cure of primary hyperparathyroidism

Introduction

Cardiovascular mortality is significantly higher in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) compared to the general population. The role of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) as a mediator of cardiovascular pathology in PHPT is unclear, as is the question whether successful parathyroidectomy (PTX) mitigates hypertension (HT), and left-ventricular (LV) dysfunction.

Methods

In 45 consecutive, hypercalcemic PHPT patients (91% female, 20 normotensive, mean age 54.6 ± 14.6), laboratory examinations, and 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) were performed before, one and six months after successful PTX, while transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) pre- and six months post-PTX.

Results

Both in patients with normotension (NT) and HT, lower calcemia and parathyroid hormone (PTH) as well as higher phosphatemia were observed on follow-up, while B-type natriuretic peptide, aldosterone, plasma renin activity, and aldosterone-to-renin ratios were comparable. Six months post-PTX, only in patients with HT, median 24-hour SBP/DBP decreased by 12/6 mmHg, daytime SBP by 10, and nighttime DBP by 5 mmHg. Improvement in BP was observed in approximately 78% of patients with HT. Six months post-PTX, TTE revealed: 1) decrease in median LV mass index (by 2 g/m2) and end-diastolic dimension (by 3 mm) among patients with HT; 2) normalization of global longitudinal strain in 22% of patients (comparable between those with NT and HT); 3) a mean 12.7% reduction in left-atrium volume index among patients with HT, which underlay normalization of indeterminate diastolic function in 3 out of 6 patients with HT, who exhibited it at baseline (dysfunction persisted in 2).

Conclusions

PTX was shown to significantly reduce BP, LV hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction parameters in PHPT patients with HT, and improve systolic function in all PHPT patients.

Parathyroid diseases and metabolic syndrome

PURPOSE

Parathyroid diseases are related to parathyroid hormone (PTH) dysregulation by parathyroid cells or alteration of PTH function. They include hyperparathyroidism (PTH excess), hypoparathyroidism (PTH deficiency) and pseudohypoparathyroidism (PTH resistance). Little is known about correlation between parathyroid diseases and metabolic syndrome (MetS).

METHODS

An electronic-based search using PubMed was performed until October 2022 and articles were selected based on relevance of title, abstract, English language and publication in peer-reviewed journals.

RESULTS

Possible association between PTH alterations and the diverse manifestation of MetS have been proposed and it could be supposed that MetS may negatively influence parathyroid diseases. Available data show significant association for hyperparathyroidism and pseudohypoparathyroidism.

CONCLUSIONS

This review highlights the possible implications between MetS and parathyroid diseases. Given the increasing MetS global prevalence and the higher parathyroid diseases awareness and diagnosis, it may be interesting to further explore the possible role of alterations in parathyroid homeostasis in the development of MetS components with dedicated prospective studies.

Shared-cathode closed bipolar electrochemiluminescence cloth-based chip for multiplex detection

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) chips have been widely used in the field of medical diagnosis. However, most of these chips currently in use are costly and require high amounts of sample. In this work, we present, for the first time, a shared-cathode closed bipolar electrochemiluminescence (SC-CBP-ECL) cloth-based chip, which can be used for multiplex detection. The SC-CBP-ECL chips ($0.03-0.05 for each chip) are manufactured using carbon ink- and wax-based screen-printing techniques, without the need for expensive and complex fabrication equipment. Under optimised conditions, the SC-CBP-ECL chips were successfully used for coinstantaneous detection of glucose in double ECL systems (i.e., Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ and luminol), with corresponding linear ranges of 0.05-1 mM and 0.05-10 mM, and detection limits of 0.0382 mM and 0.0422 mM. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the application of fibre material-based closed bipolar electrodes (C-BPE) combined with double ECL systems. Furthermore, the SC-CBP-ECL chips exhibit an acceptable specificity and good reproducibility and stability and can be used for glucose detection in human serum samples with a good agreement compared with the clinical method. Finally, the SC-CBP-ECL chips could be successfully used for simultaneous detection of seven glucose samples and also show potential for simultaneous detection of three different targets (hydrogen peroxide [H₂O₂], glucose, and uric acid [UA]). Therefore, we believe that the chip described in this study has broad potential application in the field of cost-effective multiplex detection.

Effect of Parathyroidectomy on Metabolic Homeostasis in Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Background: The benefits of parathyroidectomy on cardiovascular risk in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) are controversial. This monocentric, observational, prospective study aimed to assess the effects of parathyroidectomy on glucose and lipid metabolism in classic or mild PHPT. Methods: Patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for classic (calcemia >2.85 mmol/L) or mild PHPT (calcemia ≤2.85 mmol/L) between 2016 and 2019 were included. A metabolic assessment was performed before and 1 year after parathyroidectomy. Patients with a history of diabetes were excluded. Results: Nineteen patients had classic and 120 had mild PHPT. Ninety-five percent were normocalcemic 6 months after surgery. Fasting plasma glucose and insulin levels decreased after parathyroidectomy in patients with mild PHPT (p < 0.001). HOMA-IR decreased after surgery in the overall population (p < 0.001), while plasma adiponectin concentrations increased in patients with both classic (p = 0.005) and mild PHPT (p < 0.001). Plasma triglyceride levels decreased significantly only in patients with classic PHPT (p = 0.021). Plasma PCSK9 levels decreased in patients with mild PHPT (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Parathyroidectomy for PHPT improves insulin resistance and decreases plasma triglyceride levels in classic PHPT and plasma PCSK9 levels in mild PHPT. Further studies are needed to better characterize the consequences of such metabolic risk factors’ improvements on cardiovascular events.

A Diagnosis of Normocalcemic Primary Hyperparathyroidism Prompted by “Salt and Pepper” Lesions of the Calvarium

Background

We report a case of normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism, a diagnosis prompted by radiographic “salt and pepper” calvarial lesions, typically described in hypercalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism or secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Case Report

A 60-year-old woman noticed indentations of her scalp and presented to her primary care provider. Radiography of the calvarium demonstrated granular “salt and pepper” lesions, prompting investigation. The patient was found to have an elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) level of 79 pg/mL (reference range, 14-54 pg/mL) and a normal albumin-corrected calcium level of 9.8 mg/dL (reference range, 8.6-10.4 mg/dL). She was referred to our endocrine clinic and described having bone aches, fevers, leg cramps, and a remote history of nephrolithiasis. Her physical examination revealed hypertension. Repeat laboratory evaluation confirmed elevated PTH and normal albumin-corrected calcium. Secondary causes of hyperparathyroidism were ruled out. Her 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was 35 ng/mL (reference range, 30-100 ng/mL), with a normal creatinine level (0.73 mg/dL; reference range, 0.5-0.99 mg/dL). The patient underwent ultrasound and sestamibi scintigraphy, with uptake in the right inferior thyroid pole. She was found to have a 6-mm parathyroid adenoma and underwent a targeted parathyroidectomy, with normalization of serum PTH.

Discussion

Many cases of normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism are diagnosed in asymptomatic patients presenting with low bone mass; however, imaging prompted this patient's evaluation. Ultimately, the calvarial lesions were thought secondary to bone resorption from increased osteoclast activity.

Conclusion

This case highlights an atypical presentation of normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism in that the evaluation was precipitated by unexpected radiographic evidence of metabolic bone disease, rather than by symptoms or biochemical studies.

Impact of curative parathyroidectomy on left ventricular functions assessed with 2D ECHO and MUGA study

Objective: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality with inconsistent results on the reversibility of cardiovascular changes after parathyroidectomy (PTx). The present study was undertaken to evaluate both structural and functional cardiac changes and their reversal after PTx in patients with PHPT.

Material and Methods: Thirty patients of symptomatic PHPT without cardiovascular risk factors were evaluated prospectively by means of 2D echocar- diography (ECHO) and Multigated Acquisition (MUGA) study before surgery and six months after curative parahyroidectomy.

Results: Nine of 30 patients had hypertension which improved in two after PTx (p 0.20). Two patients had left ventricle hypertrophy on 2D ECHO pre- operatively which improved after PTx (p< 0.001). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) did not show significant change before and after PTx on 2D ECHO. Nine out of 30 patients had hypertension which improved in two after PTx (p 0.20). Two patients with left ventricle hypertrophy on 2D ECHO preoperatively improved after PTx (p< 0.001). Left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) did not depict significant change before and after PTx on 2D ECHO. Whereas, four out of six patients with preoperative EF <50% representing systolic dysfunction on MUGA study showed improvement after PTx. On 2D ECHO, eight patients depicted diastolic dysfunction which improved in six patients after curative surgery (p= 0.07). However, on MUGA study, 13 pa- tients presented with tTPF >180 ms indicating diastolic dysfunction, of which ten showed improvement after PTx (p= 0.007).

Conclusion: The present study analyzed preoperative and postoperative cardiac function using both 2D ECHO and MUGA study. MUGA study provided a more objective assessment of the cardiac function by determining left ventricular ejection fraction and diastolic dysfunction.

Vitamin D and Rheumatic Diseases: A Review of Clinical Evidence

Vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining a healthy mineralized skeleton. It is also considered an immunomodulatory agent that regulates innate and adaptive immune systems. The aim of this narrative review is to provide general concepts of vitamin D for the skeletal and immune health, and to summarize the mechanistic, epidemiological, and clinical evidence on the relationship between vitamin D and rheumatic diseases. Multiple observational studies have demonstrated the association between a low level of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and the presence and severity of several rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), spondyloarthropathies, and osteoarthritis (OA). Nevertheless, the specific benefits of vitamin D supplements for the treatment and prevention of rheumatic diseases are less accepted as the results from randomized clinical trials are inconsistent, although some conceivable benefits of vitamin D for the improvement of disease activity of RA, SLE, and OA have been demonstrated in meta-analyses. It is also possible that some individuals might benefit from vitamin D differently than others, as inter-individual difference in responsiveness to vitamin D supplementation has been observed in genomic studies. Although the optimal level of serum 25(OH)D is still debatable, it is advisable it is advisable that patients with rheumatic diseases should maintain a serum 25(OH)D level of at least 30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L) to prevent osteomalacia, secondary osteoporosis, and fracture, and possibly 40–60 ng/mL (100–150 nmol/L) to achieve maximal benefit from vitamin D for immune health and overall health.

Unusual cause of resistant hypertension in a 33-year-old woman with a palpable parathyroid nodule

A 33-year-old woman presented for investigation for a secondary cause of her long-standing treatment-resistant hypertension. Physical examination revealed a palpable thyroid nodule with subsequent ultrasound and CT scan indicating the nodule was of parathyroid origin. A palpable parathyroid nodule is known to be highly suspicious for a parathyroid carcinoma, and it remains a differential until proven otherwise. Histopathology following surgical excision confirmed a parathyroid adenoma, and during subsequent follow-up visits with her general practitioner, her antihypertensive was successfully weaned. We report a case of a large palpable parathyroid adenoma being the secondary cause of treatment-resistant hypertension.

Impact of parathyroidectomy on cardiovascular risk in primary hyperparathyroidism: A narrative review

AIMS

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), one of the most frequent endocrine disorders, is not only associated with bone and kidney disorders but also with increased cardiovascular risk. This cardiovascular risk is not part of the indication for surgery owing to discordant evidence of the effects of parathyroidectomy (PTX), especially in mild PHPT which is the most common presentation of PHPT. This literature review focuses on the effects of PTX on the cardiovascular risk in PHPT. The MEDLINE database was searched via the PubMed interface, selecting relevant articles published after 1990 in English.

DATA SYNTHESIS

In the most recent series, PTX appeared to have a positive impact on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Surgery improves arterial hypertension, markers of glucose homeostasis, vascular and cardiac remodeling and electrocardiographic impairments due to classical PHPT. However, the results of surgery on mild PHPT are conflicting.

CONCLUSIONS

PTX seems to improve cardiovascular risk in patients presenting the classical form of PHPT. This improvement is correlated with preoperative serum calcium and/or PTH level, depending on the cardiovascular risk factor. However, many aspects of this improvement are not fully understood. Future studies should assess the effects of PTX on nocturnal hypertension, cardiac morphology and functions. The results for mild PHPT are conflicting owing to the limited size of the cohorts included in studies and the lack of randomized trials. Surgery is not currently recommended for patients presenting mild PHPT based on the cardiovascular risk and more studies are needed to better understand the interest of PTX on cardiovascular outcomes.

The influence of parathyroidectomy on cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We aim to determine whether parathyroidectomy (PTX) can change cardiometabolic risk factors including serum lipids, glycemic parameters, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, C reactive protein (CRP), and body mass index (BMI).

METHODS

MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched for relevant articles published till June 2020. Fixed-effect or random-effects models were used to estimate the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% CI for outcomes where applicable.

RESULTS

In total, 34 studies were eligible to be included in the current meta-analysis. Our results indicated no favorable change in serum triglyceride (n = 13, WMD = -0.06, 95% CI: -0.15, 0.03 mmol/L), total cholesterol (n = 15, WMD = 0.01, 95% CI: -0.14, 0.16 mmol/L), LDL-C (n = 10, WMD = -0.01, 95% CI: -0.17, 0.19 mmol/L), HDL-C (n = 10, WMD = 0.03, 95% CI: -0.001, 0.06 mmol/L), and CRP (n = 5, WMD = 0.82, 95% CI: -0.01, 1.64 mg/L) after PTX in PHPT patients. However, glucose (n = 24, WMD = -0.16, 95% CI: -0.26, -0.06 mmol/L), serum insulin (n = 12, WMD = -1.11, 95% CI: -1.73, -0.49 µIU/mL), systolic (n = 17, WMD = -10.14, 95% CI: -12.27, -8.01 mmHg), and diastolic (n = 16, WMD = -5.21, 95% CI: -7.0, -3.43 mmHg) blood pressures were decreased after PTX, whilst a significant increase was observed in BMI (n = 13, WMD = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.19, 0.51 kg/m²).

CONCLUSIONS

PTX could improve glycemic parameters and blood pressure, without any significant change in serum lipoproteins and CRP.

Primary hyperparathyroidism and hypertension

Although untreated primary hyperparathyroidism is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality, controversy exists regarding the therapeutic effects of parathyroidectomy on cardiovascular health. This review will examine the evidence linking primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and cardiovascular disease, specifically hypertension, and evaluate the available literature regarding the natural history of hypertension after successful parathyroidectomy.

Severe hypertension-An infantile feature of Jansen metaphyseal chondrodysplasia?

Jansen metaphyseal chondrodysplasia (JMC) is a rare autosomal dominant skeletal dysplasia caused by gain-of-function mutations in the parathyroid hormone receptor 1 gene, PTH1R. We report on a patient presenting in the neonatal period with clinical signs of JMC in addition to severe hypertension. A pathogenic mutation in PTH1R was demonstrated, but investigations for hypertension yielded normal results. Hypertension has not been previously associated with JMC. Given aberration of the parathyroid hormone (PTH)/parathyroid-related protein pathway is the underlying pathogenic mechanism attributed to JMC, and also given evidence that hyperparathyroidism plays an important role in blood pressure homeostasis, we propose that hypertension is a hitherto unrecognized feature of JMC.

The Interplay Between the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System and Parathyroid Hormone

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is the regulatory system by which renin induces aldosterone production. Angiotensin II (Ang II) is the main effector substance of the RAAS. The RAAS regulates blood pressure and electrolyte balance by controlling blood volume and peripheral resistance. Excessive activation of the RAAS is an important factor in the onset of cardiovascular disease and the deterioration of this disease. The most common RAAS abnormality is primary aldosteronism (PA). Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a peptide secreted by the main cells of the parathyroid gland, which promotes elevated blood calcium (Ca²⁺) levels and decreased blood phosphorus (Pi) levels. Excessive secretion of PTH can cause primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Parathyroidism is highly prevalent in postmenopausal women and is often associated with secondary osteoporosis. PA and PHPT are common endocrine system diseases. However, studies have shown a link between the RAAS and PTH, indicating a positive relationship between them. In this review, we explore the complex bidirectional relationship between the RAAS and PTH. We also point out possible future treatment options for related diseases based on this relationship.

Primary hyperparathyroidism is associated with a higher level of serum uric acid: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Studies have suggested that primary hyperparathyroidism could be a risk factor for hyperuricemia although the results were not consistent across the studies. This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed in order to identify all available studies and summarize their results together.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed using EMBASE and MEDLINE from inception to August 2018 to identify all cohort studies that consisted of 2 cohorts, a cohort of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and a cohort of individuals without hyperparathyroidism. Eligible studies had to provide data on mean serum uric acid level and standard deviation of both cohorts, which would be extracted to calculate mean difference (MD). Pooled MD was then calculated by combining MDs of each study using a random-effects model. Funnel plot was used for evaluation for publication bias.

RESULTS

A total of 9 cohort studies met the inclusion criteria and were included into the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis found that patients with primary hyperparathyroidism had a significantly higher level of serum uric acid than individuals without hyperparathyroidism with the pooled MD of 65.00 μmol/L (95% CI 37.74-92.25). The statistical heterogeneity was high with I² of 90%. The funnel plot was relatively symmetric and did not provide evidence for publication bias.

CONCLUSION

Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism had a significantly higher level of serum uric acid compared to individuals without hyperparathyroidism.

Effect of Parathyroidectomy on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Primary Hyperparathyroidism: A Randomized Clinical Trial

CONTEXT

It remains unclear whether risk of cardiovascular diseases is increased in patients with mild (<1.45 mmol/L) to moderate (≥1.45 to 1.60 mmol/L) primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT).

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine the short-term effect of parathyroidectomy (PTX) on arterial stiffness, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure (BP).

DESIGN

This study was a clinical trial randomly allocating patients to either PTX or a control group (no surgery). Follow-up was performed 3 months after surgery in the PTX group and 3 months after baseline in the control group.

SETTING

University hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

We recruited 79 patients with PHPT; 69 participants completed the study.

MAIN OUTCOMES

Office and ambulatory 24-hour BP, pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index, and fasting plasma cholesterol levels.

RESULTS

At baseline, participants had a median level of ionized calcium of 1.41 mmol/L (range, 1.33 to 1.60 mmol/L) and PTH of 10.4 pmol/L (4.5 to 30.4 pmol/L). Median age was 64 years (range, 18 to 81) and 72% were females. Following PTX, plasma total cholesterol levels decreased significantly compared with the controls (P = 0.04). Changes in PWV, augmentation index, and ambulatory 24-hour BP did not differ between groups, except for an increase in ambulatory diastolic BP following PTX. However, in patients with baseline levels of ionized calcium ≥1.45 mmol/L, PWV decreased significantly in response to PTX compared with the control group (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

PTX may decrease risk of cardiovascular diseases in PHPT by lowering total cholesterol levels, although ambulatory diastolic BP increases in response to surgery. Patients with moderate to severe hypercalcemia may benefit from PTX by a decrease in PWV.

INCREASED MORTALITY IN PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY HYPERPARATHYROIDISM: DOES SURGERY MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

Objective: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is functionally characterized by an inappropriately raised secretion of parathyroid hormone, leading to raised serum calcium levels. Some patients are referred for parathyroidectomy, and some are managed conservatively. The aim of the audit was to compare the mortality outcomes between the two groups. Methods: We retrospectively identified a cohort of inpatients with a main or secondary diagnosis of PHPT between 1986 and 2010 and followed them up to the end of 2011. The risk of mortality in PHPT patients compared to the background general population was estimated by calculating standardized mortality ratios (SMRs), adjusting for age, sex, and person-years at risk. Mortality in surgically treated patients was compared to conservatively treated patients using Cox regression, taking account of the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Results: A total of 2,589 patients (77.9% females) were diagnosed with PHPT in Scotland over this period. Of patients diagnosed with PHPT, 41.6% (1,077/2,589) had died by the end of 2011. The SMR was 1.58 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.48 to 1.67). A total of 54.8% of the patients underwent surgery (SMR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.18 to 1.43), while the rest were treated "conservatively" (SMR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.73 to 2.03) (P<.001). When other significant variables including the Charlson Comorbidity Index were taken into account in the final model, the hazard ratio for the "conservatively" managed group was reduced to 1.49 (95% CI, 1.30 to 1.70; P<.0001). Conclusion: Our study confirmed that inpatients diagnosed with PHPT have increased mortality. The risk of mortality was lower in those treated surgically compared with patients treated conservatively. Abbreviations: CI = confidence interval; HR = hazard ratio; PHPT = primary hyperparathyroidism; PTX = parathyroidectomy; SMR = standard mortality ratio; SMR01 = Scottish Morbidity Records.

The surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism: an updated review

Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism often present clinically asymptomatic with various biochemical compositions of serum calcium, parathyroid hormone, vitamin D and urinary calcium. Understanding the subtle differences in clinical and biochemical presentations is key for timely diagnosis and referral to an experienced parathyroid surgeon. Surgery remains the only option for cure of primary hyperparathyroidism, which now favors a directed parathyroidectomy with intra-operative adjuncts. However it is important to understand and revise the surgical approach for patients with hereditary conditions or nonlocalizing studies. Revised guidelines from the Fourth International Workshop on the Management of Asymptomatic Primary Hyperparathyroidism in 2013 and the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons in 2016 are reviewed in this paper for an updated review of this condition.

Association of parathyroid hormone and vitamin D with untreated hypertension: Is it different in white-coat or sustained hypertension?

BACKGROUND

Previous reports about the relationship between a high parathyroid hormone (PTH) and low vitamin D levels with blood pressure in different hypertension groups are conflicting.

OBJECTIVE

We studied serum PTH and vitamin D levels in white-coat (WCHT) and sustained hypertension (SHT) patients who had not been on antihypertensive treatment. We also investigated the association between serum PTH and vitamin D levels with respect to blood pressure in SHT and WCHT patients.

METHODS

We included 52 SHT patients (54.06 ± 9.2 years, 32 newly diagnosed and 20 previously diagnosed with SHT who had not been treated with antihypertensive medication for 3 months or more), 48 WCHT patients (53.64 ± 9.5 years), and 50 normotensive (NT) healthy controls (53.44 ± 8.4 years) in our study. In addition to routine tests, PTH and vitamin D levels were measured.

RESULTS

Serum PTH levels were significantly higher in SHT patients not taking antihypertensive medications than in WCHT patients and NT controls (p = 0.004). Although PTH levels were higher in WCHT than in NT groups, the difference was not statistically significant. In SHT patients, PTH levels showed a positive correlation with office systolic (r = 0.363, p = 0.008), office diastolic (r = 0.282, p = 0.038), home systolic (r = 0.390, p = 0.004), and home diastolic blood pressures (r = 0.397, p = 0.003). Serum vitamin D levels were similar in SHT, WCHT and NT groups. Vitamin D levels were not associated with blood pressures in the entire study group. Furthermore, no significant relation was found between vitamin D and PTH levels in SHT and WCHT groups.

CONCLUSION

PTH levels are significantly higher in untreated SHT patients than WCHT patients and NT subjects. However, vitamin D levels are similar in SHT, WCHT and NT groups. There is a significant association between PTH levels and blood pressures suggesting PTH has a role in increase of blood pressure in SHT.

A case of acute confusion: Cushing's syndrome presenting with primary hyperparathyroidism

Cushing's syndrome is a rare disease. Cushing's syndrome presenting as acute psychosis is an exceptional occurrence. We present the case of a 37-year-old woman who was admitted with acute confusion associated with mild hypercalcaemia and was subsequently diagnosed with parathyroid and adrenal adenomas. Our hospital sees approximately 6000 endocrine patients per year, with an incidence of around four Cushing's cases annually. This is the first such case to occur in our hospital and one of few described in the literature.

Risk Factors for Intraoperative Hypertension during Surgery for Primary Hyperparathyroidism

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the incidence and identify risk factors for the occurrence of intraoperative hypertension (IOH) during surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The study included 269 patients surgically treated between January 2008 and January 2012 for pHPT. IOH was defined as an increase in systolic blood pressure ≥20% compared to baseline values which lasted for 15 min. The investigated influence were demographic characteristics, surgical risk score related to physical status (based on the American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] classification), comorbidities, type and duration of surgery, and duration of anesthesia on IOH occurrence. The investigated factors were obtained from the patients' medical history, anesthesia charts, and the daily practice database. Logistic regression analysis was done to determine the predictors of IOH.

RESULTS

Of the 269 patients, 153 (56.9%) had IOH. Based on the univariate analysis, age, body mass index, ASA status, duration of anesthesia, and preoperative hypertension were risk factors for the occurrence of IOH. Multivariate analysis showed that independent predictors of IOH were a history of hypertension (OR = 2.080, 95% CI: 1.102-3.925, p = 0.024) and age (OR = 0.569, 95% CI: 0.360-0.901, p = 0.016).

CONCLUSION

In this study, a high percentage (56%) of the patients developed IOH during surgery for pHPT, which indicates that special attention should be paid to these patients, especially to the high-risk groups: older patients and those with a history of hypertension. Further, this study showed that advanced age and hypertension as a coexisting disease prior to parathyroid surgery were independent risk factors for the occurrence of IOH.

Endocrine Hypertension: A Practical Approach

Elevated blood pressure resulting from few endocrine disorders (endocrine hypertension) accounts for a high proportion of cases of secondary hypertension. Although some features may be suggestive, many cases of endocrine hypertension remain silent until worked up for the disease. A majority of cases result from primary aldosteronism. Other conditions that can cause endocrine hypertension are: congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Liddle syndrome, pheochromocytomas, Cushing's syndrome, acromegaly, thyroid diseases, primary hyperparathyroidism and iatrogenic hormone manipulation. Early identification and treatment of the cause of endocrine hypertension may help to reduce morbidity and mortality related to these disorders. This article gives a comprehensive and practical approach to the diagnosis and management of endocrine hypertension.

Changes in the Pattern of Primary Hyperparathyroidism in Czech Republic

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is currently the most common endocrine disorder in Czech Republic after diabetes and thyroid diseases particularly in postmenopausal women. Over the past 40 years PHPT has changed from a rare severe disease of the bones and kidneys to common disease with hypertension, peptic ulcer, pancreatitis, easy fatigue and proximal muscle weakness. During 43 years we have examined one of the greatest groups of patients with PHPT. In the early 1970 the estimated incidence of PHPT in former Czechoslovakia was approximately 8 cases per 100 000 persons per year. Our data showed that the incidence of PHPT increased sharply to 24 cases per 100 000 persons per year in same community with the introduction of automated serum calcium and iPTH measurement. The disease is four times more frequent in women as in man. The ratio women to men did not changed since 1981. However the incidence of PHPT changed in Czech Republic from previous years, it develops around the fifth decade of life and is increasingly discovered with advancing age. The incidence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cholelithiasis, pancreatitis and peptic ulcer among patients with PHPT is higher as compared with the incidence of these diseases in the general population. However there are still patients suffering from bone and renal complication of PHPT. Removing the adenoma by an experienced surgeon is the first choice of treatment of patients with PHPT. The study offers valuable data on the actual state of hyperparathyroid patients in the Czech Republic.

Secondary hypertension due to concomitant aldosterone-producing adenoma and parathyroid adenoma

There is a growing body of evidence supporting a bidirectional relationship between parathyroid hormone (PTH) and aldosterone (Aldo). We report a case of secondary hypertension due to concomitant Aldo-producing adenoma (APA) and parathyroid adenoma (PA) requiring both unilateral adrenalectomy and parathyroidectomy.

Parathyroidectomy Ameliorates Glucose and Blood Pressure Control in a Patient with Primary Hyperparathyroidism, Type 2 Diabetes, and Hypertension

Effect of parathyroidectomy on glucose control and hypertension is controversial. Here, we report a case of a patient with primary hyperparathyroidism, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypertension in whom parathyroidectomy ameliorated both glucose control and blood pressure. Once high serum calcium levels were noticed, ultrasonography of neck confirmed a well-defined oval hypoechoic mass posterior to the right lobe of the thyroid, confirmed by scintiscan. Parathyroidectomy resulted in improvement of blood pressure and blood glucose. We could stop insulin and antihypertensive medications. We conclude that in patients with type 2 diabetes with vague complaints like fatigue, body ache, and refractory hypertension, as a part of the diagnostic workup, clinicians should also check serum calcium levels and parathyroid hormone to rule out hyperparathyroidism. Correction of hyperparathyroidism may result in improvement of hypertension and glucose control.

Cardiovascular risk factors in patients with asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism

OBJECTIVES

Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP), even asymptomatic, have an increased cardiovascular risk. However, data on reversibility or improvement of cardiovascular disorders with surgery are controversial. Our aims were to assess the prevalence of classic cardiovascular risk factors in patients with asymptomatic PHP, to explore their relationship with calcium and PTH levels, and analyze the effect of parathyroidectomy on those cardiovascular risk factors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective, observational study of two groups of patients with asymptomatic PHP: 40 patients on observation and 33 patients who underwent surgery. Clinical and biochemical data related to PHP and various cardiovascular risk factors were collected from all patients at baseline and one year after surgery in the operated patients.

RESULTS

A high prevalence of obesity (59.9%), type 2 diabetes mellitus (25%), high blood pressure (47.2%), and dyslipidemia (44.4%) was found in the total sample, with no difference between the study groups. Serum calcium and PTH levels positively correlated with BMI (r=.568, P=.011, and r=.509, P=.026 respectively) in non-operated patients. One year after parathyroidectomy, no improvement occurred in the cardiovascular risk factors considered.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirm the high prevalence of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, and dyslipidemia in patients with asymptomatic PHP. However, parathyroidectomy did not improve these cardiovascular risk factors.

Hemodynamic markers and subclinical atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women with primary hyperparathyroidism

CONTEXT

Recent evidence suggests that primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is linked with hypertension and subclinical atherosclerosis. These associations have not been examined in postmenopausal women, in whom cardiovascular risk steeply rises after menopausal transition.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to assess whether pHPT is associated with hemodynamic markers and subclinical atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women under a cross-sectional case-control design.

METHODS

One hundred two postmenopausal women with pHPT and 102 women matched 1:1 for age and menopausal status were consecutively recruited. In all patients, flow-mediated dilatation, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, reflected waves, aortic blood pressures (BP), intima-media thickness, and the presence of plaques in the carotid and common femoral arteries were measured.

RESULTS

Women with pHPT had higher aortic and peripheral BP (P < .05 for all), but no correlation was observed with subclinical atherosclerosis. After adjusting for possible confounders, pHPT was an independent determinant of peripheral and aortic diastolic BP (P < .05 for all). The association with systolic BP was lost after adjusting for C-reactive protein. Further adjustment for PTH and 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels revealed that PTH but not 25-hydroxyvitamin D was an independent determinant of all BP parameters. Both peripheral and aortic BP increased across PTH tertiles as compared with the control group, but this association lost significance after adjustment for C-reactive protein.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that pHPT may increase peripheral and aortic BP through PTH and inflammatory-mediated mechanisms. A direct impact of the disease on the arterial wall cannot be implicated despite the large number of markers of subclinical atherosclerosis measured in this study.

Plasma–Parathyroid Hormone Is Associated With Subclinical and Clinical Atherosclerotic Disease in 2 Community-Based Cohorts

Objective—

Cardiovascular risk factors have different impact on different arterial territories. Diseases with elevated circulating parathyroid hormone (PTH) such as primary hyperparathyroidism and chronic renal failure have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, predominantly heart or cerebrovascular diseases. However, data on the associations between circulating PTH and peripheral atherosclerosis are limited.

Approach and Results—

Two prospective, community-based studies were used. In 306 men and women, who were 70 years old, from the Prospective investigation of the vasculature in Uppsala seniors (PIVUS) study, cross-sectional relations between PTH and atherosclerotic burden assessed by whole-body magnetic resonance angiography were investigated. In 998 men, who were 71 years old, from the Uppsala longitudinal study of adult men (ULSAM) study, the association between PTH concentration and risk of subsequent nonfatal atherosclerotic disease (excluding coronary or cerebrovascular disease) was investigated. Adjusting for established vascular risk factors, PTH was associated with burden of atherosclerosis (increase in total atherosclerotic score per SD PTH increase: 0.04, 0.003–0.08; P =0.03) in the PIVUS study. During follow-up in the ULSAM study (median 16.7 years), 89 men were diagnosed with nonfatal atherosclerotic disease. In Cox-regression analyses adjusting for established vascular risk factors and mineral metabolism, higher PTH was associated with an increased risk of nonfatal atherosclerotic disease (hazard ratio for 1 SD increase of PTH: 1.55, 1.33–1.88; P <0.0001). Results were similar when including fatal atherosclerotic disease in the outcome.

Conclusions—

In 2 independent community-based cohorts, PTH was associated to the degree of atherosclerosis and risk of clinically overt atherosclerotic disease, respectively. Our data confirm and extend previous studies supporting a role for PTH in the development of atherosclerotic disease.

Sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism: medical and surgical updates

This review discusses recent findings on the clinical presentation, evaluation, medical and surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism. Medical management includes the use of cinacalcet and bisphosphonates for bone loss and correction of vitamin D deficiency. Surgical updates reviewed recent studies on the preoperative localization of the disease, specifically, sestamibi scans, 4DCT and MRI. Focused parathyroidectomy continues to be the preferred surgical approach for a select group of patients, guided by intraoperative use of PTH and new technology, such as endoscopic and robotic platforms; however, there appears to be no difference in long-term success compared to the traditional approach.

Serum uric acid is associated with left ventricular hypertrophy independent of serum parathyroid hormone in male cardiac patients

Background

Several studies have shown that serum uric acid (UA) is associated with left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy. Serum levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which has bbe shown to be correlated with UA, is also known to be associated with cardiac hypertrophy; however, whether the association between UA and cardiac hypertrophy is independent of PTH remains unknown.

Purpose

We investigated whether the relationship between serum uric acid (UA) and LV hypertrophy is independent of intact PTH and other calcium-phosphate metabolism-related factors in cardiac patients.

Methods and Results

In a retrospective study, the association between UA and left ventricular mass index was assessed among 116 male cardiac patients (mean age 65±12 years) who were not taking UA lowering drugs. The median UA value was 5.9 mg/dL. Neither age nor body mass index differed significantly among the UA quartile groups. Patients with higher UA levels were more likely to be taking loop diuretics. UA showed a significant correlation with intact PTH (R = 0.34, P<0.001) but not with other calcium-phosphate metabolism-related factors. Linear regression analysis showed that log-transformed UA showed a significant association with left ventricular mass index, and this relationship was found to be significant exclusively in patients who were not taking loop and/or thiazide diuretics. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that log-transformed UA was independently associated with LV hypertrophy with an odds ratio of 2.79 (95% confidence interval 1.48–5.28, P = 0.002 per one standard deviation increase).

Conclusions

Among cardiac patients, serum UA was associated with LV hypertrophy, and this relationship was, at least in part, independent of intact PTH levels, which showed a significant correlation with UA in the same population.

High parathyroid hormone, but not low vitamin D concentrations, expose elderly inpatients to hypertension

AIM

Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentrations might contribute to blood pressure (BP) levels. Mixed results in previous literature could be due to the failure to consider both these hormones concurrently, despite their long-known relationship. Our objective was to examine the association of serum intact PTH and 25OHD concentrations with BP levels amongst older inpatients, while accounting for each other.

METHODS

The participants were 284 Caucasian older inpatients with no suspicion of primary hyperparathyroidism (mean age 85.87 ± 5.90 years; 65.8% female) admitted to the geriatric acute care unit of Angers University Hospital, France. They were divided into two groups according to the existence of hypertension (i.e. systolic blood pressure [SBP] >140 mmHg, or diastolic blood pressure [DBP] >90 mmHg). Age, sex, numbers of chronic diseases and of drugs taken daily, use of antihypertensive or corticosteroid drugs and of calcium supplements/vitamin D, thyroid-stimulating hormone and albumin concentrations, creatinine clearance, and season tested were used as covariables.

RESULTS

Hypertensive participants (n=106) had higher intact PTH concentrations than normotensive patients (P=0.044). There was a positive linear association of BP with intact PTH concentrations (adjusted β=0.08, P=0.015 for SBP; adjusted β=0.05, P=0.044 for DBP), but not with vitamin D. Serum intact PTH concentration, unlike 25OHD, was associated with hypertension (adjusted OR 1.01, P=0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

Irrespective of 25OHD, PTH was associated with hypertension by increasing both SBP and DBP.

Superiority of minimally invasive parathyroidectomy

Because greater than 80% of spontaneous cases of primary hyperparathyroidism are caused by a single adenoma, BCE of the neck, which has long been the approach of choice, is being replaced. Focused parathyroidectomy has been made possible by advances in preoperative parathyroid localization and IOPTH monitoring, which allows confirmation of cure and confirmation of the absence of MGD without visualizing all 4 parathyroids. Several techniques for focused parathyroidectomy exist, but open MIP through an incision of 2 to 3 cm with surgeon-administered locoregional anesthesia seems to improve on the already high success rate and low morbidity associated withimproe on bilateral exploration. In addition, MIP is associated with numerous secondary benefits such as decreased hospital cost, improved patient satisfaction, decreased operative time, and same-day discharge. Bilateral exploration will remain the standard of care for most patients with multigland or syndromic disease. Most patients with sporadic PHPT are candidates for MIP.

Arterial Hypertension, Metabolic Syndrome and Subclinical Cardiovascular Organ Damage in Patients with Asymptomatic Primary Hyperparathyroidism before and after Parathyroidectomy: Preliminary Results

Background. Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is associated with high cardiovascular morbidity, and the role of calcium and parathyroid hormone is still controversial. Objective. To evaluate the prevalence and outcomes of metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and some cardiovascular alterations in asymptomatic PHPT, and specific changes after successful parathyroidectomy. Material and Methods. We examined 30 newly diagnosed PHPT patients (8 males, 22 females; mean age 56 ± 6 yrs), 30 patients with essential hypertension (EH) (9 males, 21 females; mean age 55 ± 4), and 30 normal subjects (NS) (9 males, 21 females: mean age 55 ± 6). All groups underwent evaluation with ambulatory monitoring blood pressure, echocardiography, and color-Doppler artery ultrasonography and were successively revaluated after one year from parathyroidectomy. Results. PHPT patients presented a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (38%) with respect to EH (28%). Prevalence of hypertension in PHPT was 81%, and 57% presented altered circadian rhythm of blood pressure, with respect to EH (35%) and NS (15%). PHPT showed an important myocardial and vascular remodelling. During follow-up in PHPT patients, we found significant reduction of prevalence of metabolic syndrome, blood pressure, and "non-dipping phenomenon." Conclusions. Cardiovascular and metabolic alterations should be considered as added parameters in evaluation of patients with asymptomatic PHPT.

Primary hyperparathyroidism: Skeletal and non-skeletal effects, diagnosis and management

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is the third most common endocrinopathy seen today, and is most frequently found in the 6th to 7th decade of life. PHPT can present with various degrees of symptoms, and can affect many organ systems, including the skeletal, renal, central nervous system and cardiovascular system. Despite this, the most common presentation of hyperparathyroidism is "asymptomatic" with the diagnosis being made incidentally with the initial finding of hypercalcemia on routine laboratory studies, leading to further investigation. Surgical versus medical management is usually based on factors such as age and complications related to hyperparathyroidism (i.e. the presence of renal stones, renal insufficiency and bone loss and significant increases in serum calcium). Treatment options include parathyroidectomy, bisphosphonates, calcitonin and calcimimetics. In this review, we discuss primary hyperparathyroidism in detail with a focus on clinical manifestations particularly in the elderly population. We highlight the indications for surgical versus medical management and compare some of the uses of newer therapeutic agents relative to traditional ones.