Impact of the Introduction of Calcimimetics on Timing of Parathyroidectomy in Secondary and Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism

Does race impact outcomes after parathyroidectomy for secondary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism?

BACKGROUND

Racial disparities in care exist for diseases with heterogeneous treatment guidelines. The impact of these disparities on outcomes after parathyroidectomy for secondary(2HPT) and tertiary hyperparathyroidism(3HPT) was explored.

METHODS

The 2015-2019 NSQIP datasets were used. Patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for 2HPT and 3HPT were identified and analyzed separately. Patients were stratified by race (white vs. non-white); demographics, comorbidities, and outcomes were compared. Studied outcomes included 30-day morbidity, mortality, unplanned reoperation, readmission, and postoperative length of stay(LOS).

RESULTS

There were 1,150 patients with 2HPT and 262 with 3HPT. For 2HPT, 65.5% were non-white; morbidity, reoperation, and prolonged LOS(>3days) occurred disproportionately more often in non-white patients. Non-white race was independently associated with morbidity; higher ASA class and alkaline phosphatase levels were associated with prolonged LOS. For 3HPT, 53.1% were non-white; a prolonged LOS(>1day) occurred disproportionately more often in non-white patients. Higher alkaline phosphatase levels were independently associated with prolonged LOS.

CONCLUSION

Race and markers of advanced disease negatively impact outcomes after parathyroidectomy for 2HPT and 3HPT. Attention to racial disparities and earlier referral may positively impact outcomes.

Parathyroid carcinoma in chronic renal disease - a case series of three patients and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Apart from being a rare endocrine tumor, parathyroid carcinoma is also one of the rarest malignancies in human beings. Parathyroid carcinoma is even more uncommon in haemodialysis patients with end-stage renal disease. The pathogenesis of parathyroid hyperplasia in haemodialysis patients is well known, but the mechanism of development of parathyroid carcinoma in these patients remains unclear.

METHODS

Three cases of parathyroid carcinoma in haemodialysis patients are presented in this study: a 69-year-old male patient and two female patients (67 and 61 years old). In all cases parathyroid carcinoma infiltrated the ipsilateral thyroid lobe and in one patient the right laryngeal nerve was involved as well. One patient underwent three surgical procedures.

RESULTS

After surgical treatment, all patients were normocalcaemic and showed a significant reduction in PTH levels.

CONCLUSION

In patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism, who develop parathyroid carcinoma, surgical resection is the only viable treatment option.

Less Is More: Parathyroidectomy and Association with Postoperative Hypocalcemia in Dialysis Patients

BACKGROUND

Parathyroidectomy (PTx) is the most effective treatment for secondary hyperparathyroidism. Literature regarding the effect of surgical approaches on postoperative hypocalcemia is limited and mainly focuses on postoperative calcium levels. This study aims to evaluate the association of subtotal PTx and total PTx with autotransplantation for secondary hyperparathyroidism with postoperative hypocalcemia.

STUDY DESIGN

We reviewed all dialysis patients who underwent PTx (n = 143) at our institution from 2010 to 2021. Postoperative hypocalcemia adverse events were defined as postoperative intravenous calcium requirement or 30-day readmission due to hypocalcemia. Postoperative hypocalcemia adverse events, length of stay, and oral calcium requirement at 1-month follow-up were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

Of the 143 patients, 119 (83.2%) underwent total PTx with autotransplantation, and 24 (16.8%) underwent subtotal PTx. Patients who underwent subtotal PTx had shorter mean ± SD length of stay (1.8 ± 1.7 vs 3.5 ± 3.2, p = 0.002), were less likely to develop hypocalcemia adverse events (8.3% vs 47.1%, p < 0.001), and required less median elemental calcium supplementation at 1-month follow-up (1,558 vs 3,193 mg, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in surgical success between the 2 groups (91.7% vs 89.1%, p = 0.706). Stepwise multivariable regression demonstrated that patients who underwent total PTx with autotransplantation were 11.9 times more likely to develop hypocalcemia adverse events (adjusted odds ratio 11.9, 95% CI 2.2 to 66.2, p = 0.004), had 1.24 days longer length of stay (95% CI 0.04 to 2.44, p = 0.044), and required 1,776.1 mg more elemental calcium (95% CI 661.5 to 2,890.6 mg, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Subtotal parathyroidectomy is associated with less postoperative hypocalcemia and provides similar surgical cure for dialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Two-way Road of Kidney and Hypercalcemia: A Narrative Review

Calcium homeostasis is regulated by the dyad of parathyroid hormone and calcitriol, whereas kidney, intestine, and bone are the primary target sites. Elevation of serum calcium levels and hypercalcemia are likely markers of pathological conditions, particularly malignancy and hyperparathyroidism. Similarly, several dysfunctions within the body can direct hypercalcemia. Furthermore, chemicals and drugs can also drive this condition. Owing to the significant role of the kidney in calcium homeostasis, renal abnormalities lead to hypercalcemia and increased calcium levels can have pathological effects on the kidney. This review is designed to highlight some of the commonly known causes of hypercalcemia and their effects on the kidney.

Autotransplantation of parathyroid tissue into subcutaneous subclavicular area following total parathyroidectomy in secondary hyperparathyroidism

BACKGROUND

Total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation is still an excellent treatment option for secondary hyperparathyroidism. Intramuscular or subcutaneous parathyroid autotransplantation has been previously reported; however, there have been no studies to date regarding the implantation of the parathyroid tissue in the subclavian area of the neck.

METHODS

This was a prospective cross-sectional study between 2018 and 2019. Patients who underwent total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation of parathyroid tissue into subcutaneous subclavicular area due to secondary hyperparathyroidism were included. The patients' demographic information, including age and gender, was gathered, and the length of the dialysis period was asked from the patients. To evaluate the outcome of the study, parathyroid hormone (PTH) was measured and recorded before and after the operation. SPSS software, version 26, was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients with a mean age of 41.05 ± 9.41 years were included. The mean length of the dialysis period was 8.07 ± 2.68 years. The mean primary PTH was 1770.61 ± 482.97 pg/ml (range: 656-2500 <). After 6 weeks of operation, 19 patients (45.2%) had functional autotransplanted tissue, and the median PTH was 28 pg/ml (IQR: 33.55, range: 0.1-221.8). However, the results showed that after 10 weeks, the patients with functional tissue were increased to 22 (52.4%), and the median PTH was 35 pg/ml (IQR: 48, range: 5.0-602.9). The functionality of autotransplanted tissue in the 6th and 10th weeks after surgery had no significant association with age, gender, and length of the dialysis period (p value > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Subcutaneous implantation is recommended in the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism based on its high success rate and ease of use, suitable vascularization, easy accessibility to the surgery location in case of the need for autographtectomy.

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.

[Medicolegal aspects of primary and renal hyperparathyroidism]

BACKGROUND

Compared with malpractice claims in thyroid surgery, expert medico-legal reviews of surgery performed for hyperparathyroidism (HPT) that aim to prove or rebut surgical malpractice are rare. The aim of this analysis was to describe typical risk patterns for possible treatment errors and to generate recommendations for avoiding these treatment errors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 12 surgical expert medico-legal reviews, which were carried out by order of 9 arbitration boards and 3 courts between 1997 and 2020 were evaluated.

RESULTS

If the indications for surgical treatment of hyperparathyroidism were present, the failure to identify a parathyroid adenoma or hyperplastic parathyroid glands was in the majority of cases not rated as a surgical treatment error, especially in atypical localizations. Unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and postoperative bleeding cannot always be prevented, despite maximum diligence. In contrast, bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy can be prevented when intraoperative neuromonitoring is correctly applied. A lack of patient information regarding postoperatively persistent HPT, postoperative hypoparathyroidism following the removal of inconspicuous parathyroid glands and nonindicated lobectomy or total thyroidectomy, mostly performed under the assumption of an intrathyroid parathyroid adenoma, represented avoidable malpractice issues.

CONCLUSION

Advanced knowledge of the pathophysiology of the disease and the anatomy of the parathyroid glands as well as the establishment of intraoperative and perioperative standards can prospectively greatly reduce avoidable errors in the surgical treatment and postoperative care of HPT.

Management of primary and renal hyperparathyroidism: guidelines from the German Association of Endocrine Surgeons (CAEK)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The purpose of this review is to provide updated recommendations for the surgical management of primary (pHPT) and renal (rHPT) hyperparathyroidism, formulating a new guideline of the German Association of Endocrine Surgeons (CAEK).

METHODS

Evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and therapy of pHPT and rHPT were assessed by a multidisciplinary panel using PubMed for a comprehensive literature search together with a structured consensus dialogue (S2k guideline of the Association of the German Scientific Medical Societies, AWMF).

RESULTS

During the last 20 years, a variety of new preoperative localization procedures, such as sestamibi-SPECT, 4D-CT, and various PET/CT procedures, were established for pHPT. High-resolution imaging, together with intraoperative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) measurement, enabled focused or minimally invasive surgery to become the most favored surgical technique. Patients with pHPT and nonlocalizing imaging have a higher risk of multiglandular disease. Surgical therapy provides very high cure rates, with a clear relation to the surgeon's experience in parathyroid procedures. Reoperative parathyroidectomy, children with pHPT or familial forms, and parathyroid carcinoma are addressed and require special surgical expertise. A multidisciplinary team of experienced nephrologists, transplant, and endocrine surgeons should assess the diagnosis and treatment of renal HPT.

CONCLUSION

Surgery is the only curative treatment for pHPT and should be considered for all patients with pHPT. For rHPT, a more selective approach is required, and parathyroidectomy is indicated only when conservative treatment options fail. In parathyroid carcinoma, the adequacy of local resection influences local disease control.

Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism: Why the Delay?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the reason for delay of surgical referral in tertiary hyperparathyroidism (THPT) and its impact on renal allograft function.

BACKGROUND

Persistent hyperparathyroidism after renal transplant has been shown to negatively impact allograft function, yet referral for definitive treatment of THPT is often delayed.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for THPT (n = 38) at a single institution from May 2016 to June 2018. The first elevated serum calcium after transplant and time to referral for parathyroid surgery were recorded. Baseline creatinine post-transplant and the most recent creatinine level were used to assess allograft function.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients were included, with mean age 53 ± 2 years and 66% male. Mean preoperative calcium and parathyroid hormone were 10.8 ± 0.1 mg/dL and 328 ± 48 pg/mL, respectively. THPT after renal transplant was diagnosed at a median of 15 days (range of 1-4892 days). Median time to parathyroidectomy referral was 320 days (range 16-6281 days). In over 50% of patients, the cited reason for referral to an endocrine surgeon was difficulty with cinacalcet - either cost, poor calcium control, and poor compliance or tolerance. In comparing renal function between patients referred early (<278 days, n = 19) versus later (>278 days, n = 19) for parathyroidectomy, those referred early had an improvement in creatinine (27.6% vs -5%, P = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with THPT wait approximately a year, on average, before referral to an endocrine surgeon for curative parathyroidectomy; earlier referral was associated with improvement in serum creatinine.

Surgery for Renal Hyperparathyroidism in the Era of Cinacalcet: A Single-Center Experience

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

There are only few data on the influence of cinacalcet on the outcome of parathyroidectomy in patients with renal hyperparathyroidism. Indication and timing of surgery have changed since its introduction, especially with regard to kidney transplantation. Therefore, we retrospectively analyzed patients undergoing parathyroidectomy for renal hyperparathyroidism in our institution.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between 2008 and 2015, 196 consecutive operations in 191 patients were analyzed. About 80 operations (41%) were performed in patients receiving cinacalcet compared with 116 operations (59%) in patients without cinacalcet. Clinical data, preoperative medication, pre- and postoperative laboratory values, type and details of surgery including complications, as well as cardiovascular complications and kidney transplantation with graft function were recorded.

RESULTS

Demographical data were similar in patients with or without cinacalcet treatment. A total of 54% of patients received a kidney graft before or after parathyroidectomy. Pre- and postoperative parathormone levels were similar in both groups (preoperatively 755 vs 742 ng/L, postoperatively 50 vs 46 ng/L, p > 0.10), whereas patients with cinacalcet showed significantly lower calcium levels preoperatively (2.28 vs 2.41 mmol/L, p = 0.0002). There was no difference in recurrence or persistence of hyperparathyroidism, duration of surgery, hospital stay, or complication rate. Creatinine levels in patients with tertiary hyperparathyroidism were similar after 1-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Cinacalcet did not influence outcome of patients with parathyroidectomy for renal hyperparathyroidism and can be safely offered to patients not responding to medical treatment.

Parathyroidectomy for patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism in a changing landscape for the management of end-stage renal disease

BACKGROUND

The landscape of patients with end-stage renal disease is changing with the increasing availability of kidney transplantation. In the near future, a less aggressive approach to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism might be beneficial. We report outcomes of parathyroidectomy for end-stage renal disease-related hyperparathyroidism comparing the outcomes of limited, subtotal, and total parathyroidectomy.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Patients were divided into 3 parathyroidectomy subgroups: limited (<3 glands removed), subtotal (3-3.5 glands), and total (4 glands) parathyroidectomy. Primary outcome was serum levels of parathyroid hormone. Secondary endpoints were serum levels of calcium, phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase, postoperative complications, and persistent or recurrent disease rates.

RESULTS

In total, 195 patients were included for analysis of whom 13.8% underwent limited parathyroidectomy, 46.7% subtotal parathyroidectomy, and 39.5% total parathyroidectomy. Preoperative parathyroid hormone levels (pg/mL) were 471 (210-868), 1,087 (627-1,795), and 1,070 (475-1,632) for the limited, subtotal, and total parathyroidectomy groups, respectively (P < .001). A decrease in serum parathyroid hormone was seen in all groups; however, postoperative levels remained greater in the limited parathyroidectomy group compared to the subtotal and total parathyroidectomy groups (P < .001). Serum calcium, phosphate, and alkaline phosphatase levels decreased in all groups to within the reference range. In the limited parathyroidectomy group, persistent disease and recurrence occurred more frequently (P = .02 and P = .07, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Subtotal parathyroidectomy is the optimal strategy in an era with an increasing availability of kidney transplantation and improved regimens of dialysis. In this changing practice, the approach to parathyroid surgery, however, might shift to a less aggressive and patient-tailored approach.

Refractory secondary hyperparathyroidism in waiting list for parathyroidectomy: who we should operate first in a quaternary hospital in Brazil regarding survival

BACKGROUND

Few centers in Brazil perform parathyroidectomy (PTX) for recalcitrant secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) generating a long queue. There is little data regarding prioritize criteria besides chronological order and survival.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the difference of clinical and laboratory factors between PTX patients and those who remained in the line despite the need for surgery and their survival.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in a quaternary hospital in Brazil, where 43 patients with PTX indication due to severe SHPT were followed from 2009 to 2016. While 31 patients underwent PTX, 12 remained in the queue. Data on clinical and laboratory factors were collected for comparison and Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression survival analysis were used.

RESULTS

PTX group was younger (40.9 vs. 49.3 years, p = .03), had higher PTH levels (2578 vs. 1937 pg/ml, p = .01) and higher CaxP product (62 vs. 47.5, p = .02). There were no percentage differences between groups of fractures, calciphylaxis and other complications due to SHPT. Patients who were not operated had a worst overall survival (5 y 62.2% vs. 96.7%, p = .04) with a HR for death of 8.08 (p = .07, PTX as a TVC). Other variables associated with decreased survival included a history of previous myocardial infarction (HR: 10.4, p = .01) and age per additional year (HR: 1.09, p = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with severe SHPT are at increased risk of death while waiting for PTX. Clinical events like fracture were not used to prioritize patients beyond consecutive order. Therefore, optimizing priority criteria for PTX may result in improved survival in this population.

Timing of Parathyroidectomy Does Not Influence Renal Function After Kidney Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Parathyroidectomy (PTx) is the treatment of choice for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with therapy-resistant hyperparathyroidism (HPT). The optimal timing of PTx for ESRD-related HPT-before or after kidney transplantation (KTx)-is subject of debate.

METHODS

Patients with ESRD-related HPT who underwent both PTx and KTx between 1994 and 2015 were included in a multicenter retrospective study in four university hospitals. Two groups were formed according to treatment sequence: PTx before KTx (PTxKTx) and PTx after KTx (KTxPTx). Primary endpoint was renal function (eGFR, CKD-EPI) between both groups at several time points post-transplantation. Correlation between the timing of PTx and KTx and the course of eGFR was assessed using generalized estimating equations (GEE).

RESULTS

The PTxKTx group consisted of 102 (55.1%) and the KTxPTx group of 83 (44.9%) patients. Recipient age, donor type, PTx type, and pre-KTx PTH levels were significantly different between groups. At 5 years after transplantation, eGFR was similar in the PTxKTx group (eGFR 44.5 ± 4.0 ml/min/1.73 m²) and KTxPTx group (40.0 ± 6.4 ml/min/1.73 m², p = 0.43). The unadjusted GEE model showed that timing of PTx was not correlated with graft function over time (mean difference -1.0 ml/min/1.73 m², 95% confidence interval -8.4 to 6.4, p = 0.79). Adjustment for potential confounders including recipient age and sex, various donor characteristics, PTx type, and PTH levels did not materially influence the results.

CONCLUSIONS

In this multicenter cohort study, timing of PTx before or after KTx does not independently impact graft function over time.

Long-term outcomes and management considerations after parathyroidectomy in the dialysis patient

Parathyroidectomy (PTX) remains an important intervention for dialysis patients with poorly controlled secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), though there are only retrospective and observational data that show a mortality benefit to this procedure. Potential consequences that we seek to avoid after PTX include persistent or recurrent hyperparathyroidism, and parathyroid insufficiency. There is considerable subjectivity in defining and diagnosing these conditions, given that we poorly understand the optimal PTH targets (particularly post PTX) needed to maintain bone and vascular health. While lowering PTH after PTX decreases bone turnover, long-term changes in bone activity have been poorly explored. High turnover bone disease, usually present at the time a PTX is considered, often swings to a state of low turnover in the setting of sufficiently low PTH levels. It remains unclear if all low bone turnover equate with disease. However, such changes in bone turnover appear to predispose to vascular calcification, with positive calcium balance after PTX being a potential contributor. We know little of how the post-PTX state resets calcium balance, how calcium and VDRA requirements change or what kind of adjustments are needed to avoid calcium loading. The current consensus cautions against excessive reduction of PTH although there is insufficient evidence-based guidance regarding the management of chronic kidney disease - mineral bone disease (CKD-MBD) parameters in the post-PTX state. This article aims to compile existing research, provide an overview of current practice with regard to PTX and post-PTX chronic management. It highlights gaps and controversies and aims to re-orient the focus to clinically relevant contemporary priorities in CKD-MBD management after PTX.

Refractory hypercalcemia due to an ectopic mediastinal parathyroid gland in a hemodialysis patient: a case report

BACKGROUND

Hypercalcemia crisis is a complex disorder rarely induced by tertiary hyperparathyroidism, which clinically presents as nonsuppressible parathyroid hyperplasia with persistent increased PTH levels and hypercalcemia. It is one of the major risk factors of morbidity and mortality in end-stage renal disease. Parathyroidectomy should be in consideration in dialysis patients with severe hyperparathyroidism who are refractory to medical therapy. The implications and consequences of it, however, are not fully understood.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a case of a 70 year-old man disturbed by gastrointestinal manifestations due to hypercalcaemic crisis. The patient had longstanding hypercalcaemia and hyperparathyrodism refractory to calcimimetics, calcitonin, hormone and haemodialysis. A ectopic parathyroid gland in anterior mediastinum was found and elucidated by Tc-99 m scan. Futhermore, a video-assisted thoracoscopic parathyroidectomy was performed. Histologically, the tumour consisted of densely arranged chief cells immunohistochemically positive for PTH antigens. Consequently, calcium and parathormone were declining stably without any complications.

CONCLUSIONS

On account of refractory hypercalcemia and hyperparathyroidism, radionuclide scanning is useful in the diagnosis of ectopic parathyroid gland. it is of great significance for multidisciplinary therapy combing anesthesia, surgical, endocrinology and nephrology staff.

Parathyroidectomy versus cinacalcet for tertiary hyperparathyroidism; a retrospective analysis

Introduction

Tertiary hyperparathyroidism (tHPT), i.e., persistent HPT after kidney transplantation, affects 17–50% of transplant recipients. Treatment of tHPT is mandatory since persistently elevated PTH concentrations after KTx increase the risk of renal allograft dysfunction and osteoporosis. The introduction of cinacalcet in 2004 seemed to offer a medical treatment alternative to parathyroidectomy (PTx). However, the optimal management of tHPT remains unclear.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on patients receiving a kidney transplantation (KT) in two academic centers in the Netherlands. Thirty patients undergoing PTx within 3 years of transplantation and 64 patients treated with cinacalcet 1 year after transplantation for tHPT were included. Primary outcomes were serum calcium and PTH concentrations 1 year after KT and after PTx.

Results

Serum calcium normalized in both the cinacalcet and the PTx patients. PTH concentrations remained above the upper limit of normal (median 22.0 pmol/L) 1 year after KT, but returned to within the normal range in the PTx group (median 3.7 pmol/L). Side effects of cinacalcet were difficult to assess; minor complications occurred in three patients. Re-exploration due to persistent tHPT was performed in three (10%) patients.

Conclusion

In patients with tHPT, cinacalcet normalizes serum calcium, but does not lead to a normalization of serum PTH concentrations. In contrast, PTx leads to a normalization of both serum calcium and PTH concentrations. These findings suggest that PTx is the treatment of choice for tHPT.

Safety and efficacy of subtotal or total parathyroidectomy for patients with secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism in four academic centers in the Netherlands

Purpose

Hyperparathyroidism (HPT) is a common abnormality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Since the introduction of cinacalcet in 2004, a shift from surgery toward predominantly medical treatment has occurred. Surgery is thought to be associated with more complications than oral medication. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate 30-day outcomes and effectiveness of parathyroidectomy (PTx) in ESRD patients in the Netherlands.

Methods

A national database containing data from four academic medical centers in the Netherlands of patients with ESRD-related HPT, who had undergone PTx and kidney transplantation between 1994 and 2015, was established. Primary endpoints were 30-day mortality and complication rate. Secondary endpoints were biochemical measurements.

Results

We identified 187 HPT patients undergoing PTx, with a median age of 46 years. Median preoperative PTH level was 866 pg/mL (interquartile range [IQR] 407–1547 pg/mL). At 3 months, the median PTH drop from baseline was 93% (IQR, 71–98%) to a median of 61 pg/mL (IQR, 23–148 pg/mL, p < 0.001). Over the 25-year inclusion period, 13 patients (7.0%) required re-exploration for persistent or recurrent disease. Thirty-day mortality and complication rate were 0.0% and 7.9% respectively. Median serum calcium levels improved significantly postoperatively from 2.6 (2.4–2.8) mmol/L to 2.3 (2.1–2.5) mmol/L (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

PTx is a safe and effective procedure in the frail ESRD population. These data show that there should be no reluctance for surgical intervention and when indicated, nephrologists can safely refer these patients for PTx.

Parathyroidectomy versus Cinacalcet in the Management of Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism: Surgery Improves Renal Transplant Allograft Survival

BACKGROUND

Renal transplant allograft function in patients with tertiary hyperparathyroidism who are treated with cinacalcet versus parathyroidectomy remains unclear.

METHODS

This is a retrospective, single-center review of patients with tertiary hyperparathyroidism between 2000 and 2017. We compared clinical parameters and outcomes, including renal allograft failure in patients who had undergone parathyroidectomy versus treatment with cinacalcet therapy.

RESULTS

A total of 133 patients were included (33 who received parathyroidectomy and 100 who received cinacalcet); median renal allograft survival was 5.9 years (interquartile range 4.0-9.0). There were no differences in age, sex, body mass index, comorbidities, duration of pretransplant dialysis, cadaveric donor utilization, or rates of delayed allograft function between cohorts. In the parathyroidectomy cohort, normalization of parathyroid hormone occurred more frequently (67% vs 15%, P < .001) and renal allograft failure rates were less (9% vs 33%, P = .007), with similar median posttransplant follow-up (7.0 years [interquartile range 4.5-10.0]). On multivariable analysis, parathyroidectomy was inversely associated with allograft failure (odds ratio 0.20, 95%-confidence interval 0.06-0.71, P = .013); there were no other associated factors. A greater median parathyroid hormone (pg/mL) 1 year posttransplant (348 [interquartile range 204-493] vs 195 [interquartile range 147-297], P = .025) was associated with allograft failure in the cinacalcet cohort.

CONCLUSION

Parathyroidectomy for tertiary hyperparathyroidism is associated with lesser rates of renal allograft failure compared with cinacalcet management. Patients with inadequate parathyroid hormone control on cinacalcet at 1 year posttransplant should be considered for parathyroidectomy to prevent potential allograft failure.

Treatment strategy of end stage renal disease-related hyperparathyroidism before, during, and after the era of calcimimetics

BACKGROUND

Since 2004, end-stage renal disease related hyperparathyroidism patients are treated mainly with cinacalcet, which ceased to be subsidized through the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in 2015. We aimed to investigate the impact of these changes on the treatment strategy in the Australian end-stage renal disease population.

METHODS

The following groups were formed according to the date of parathyroidectomy: A, before calcimimetics; B, during the era of calcimimetics; and C, after cinacalcet removal by the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. The primary outcome was time from start of dialysis to parathyroidectomy. Regression analysis was used to examine trends in parathyroidectomy rates.

RESULTS

Between 1998 and 2016, 195 parathyroidectomies were performed. Median time to referral was 69 (33-123), 67 (31-110) and 44 (23-102) months for groups A, B, and C, respectively (P = .55). Parathyroidectomy rates increased throughout the years (CI 0.09-1.13, R²=0.27, P = .02). A trend toward a dip in parathyroidectomy rates was seen during the era of cinacalcet (P = .08). Median preoperative parathyroid hormone levels increased significantly (842 [418-1,553] versus 1,040 [564-1,810] versus 1,350 [1,037-1,923] pg/mL, for groups A, B, and C, respectively [P < .01]).

CONCLUSION

Parathyroidectomy rates seem to vary according to the availability of cinacalcet. This change in treatment strategy is accompanied with increased preoperative parathyroid hormone levels, reflecting delayed surgery and increased disease severity.

Therapeutic experience of severe and recurrent secondary hyperparathyroidism in a patient on hemodialysis for 18 years: A case report

INTRODUCTION

For patients with refractory secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), parathyroidectomy (PTX) has received increasing attention. However, evidence-based medicine shows that there is still controversy regarding surgical methods, efficacy, and safety. We retrospectively analyzed the process of diagnosis and treatment in one patient with severe SHPT and long-term chronic renal failure (CRF), so as to further improve the therapeutic effect.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 61-year-old female with SHPT and CRF manifested as no urine for 18 years, underwent PTX 4 times since September 2010, with satisfactory final recovery. The first operation involved resection of 3 parathyroid glands in the normal position; the second operation involved removal of an ectopic parathyroid gland, combined with parathyroid gland autotransplantation; the third operation was performed to resect suspected recurrent parathyroid gland; the fourth operation involved partial excision of the autotransplanted parathyroid glands.

CONCLUSION

Accurate preoperative localized diagnosis and optimal surgical approach play key roles in the prevention and treatment of SHPT; postoperative recurrence of SHPT caused by ectopic or autotransplanted parathyroid gland should receive more attention.

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.

Total Parathyroidectomy with Subcutaneous Parathyroid Forearm Autotransplantation in the Treatment of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism: A Single-Center Experience

INTRODUCTION

Secondary hyperparathyroidism is common in chronic kidney disease. Parathyroidectomy is indicated in refractory hyperparathyroidism when medical treatments and so the parathyroid hormone levels cannot be lowered to acceptable values without causing significant hyperphosphatemia or hypercalcemia. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of total parathyroidectomy with subcutaneous forearm autotransplantation with total parathyroidectomy with intramuscular forearm autotransplantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A single-center retrospective cohort study of total parathyroidectomy with forearm autotransplantation from January 2002 to February 2013 was performed. According to the surgical technique, patients were divided into an intramuscular group (Group 1) and a subcutaneous group (Group 2). 38 patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism were enrolled; 23 patients were subjected to total parathyroidectomy with parathyroid tissue replanting in the subcutaneous forearm of the upper nondominant limb, while 15 patients were subjected to replanting in the intramuscular seat.

RESULTS

A total of 38 patients (56 ± 13 years) were enrolled. In both groups, the preoperative iPTH value was markedly high, 1750 ± 619 pg/ml in the intramuscular autotransplantation group and 1527 ± 451 pg/ml in the subcutaneous autotransplantation group (p = 0.079). Transient hypoparathyroidism was shown in 7 patients, and 1 patient showed persistent hypoparathyroidism (p = 0.387). 2 patients showed persistent hyperparathyroidism (p = 0.816), and in 2 others was found recurrent hyperparathyroidism (p = 0.816); 3 of them underwent autograftectomy. The anterior compartment of the forearm nondominant limb was sacrificed in 1 case of intramuscular autotransplantation with functional arm deficit.

CONCLUSIONS

The efficacy and safety of parathyroid tissue autotransplantation in the subcutaneous forearm of the upper nondominant limb is confirmed with a good rate of tissue engraftment and with a comparable number of postsurgical transient and persistent hypoparathyroidism and hyperparathyroidism incidence in both techniques. Furthermore, this technique preserves arm functionality in the case of autograftectomy. Consequently, it is our opinion that total parathyroidectomy with subcutaneous forearm autotransplantation is currently the best choice.

Timing of parathyroidectomy in kidney transplant candidates with secondary hyperparathryroidism: effect of pretransplant versus early or late post-transplant parathyroidectomy

BACKGROUND

The timing of parathyroidectomy in kidney transplant candidates suffering from secondary hyperparathyroidism before versus early or late after transplantation remains controversial.

METHODS

The short-term follow-up cohort comprised 66 patients with 1-year post-transplant follow-up, while the long-term follow-up cohort contained 123 patients. Risk-adjusted identification of independent risk factors for compromised renal graft function (KDIGO stage ≥ IV) was performed using multivariable regression analysis adjusted for propensity score logits for parathyroidectomy before versus after renal transplantation. Intra-individual matched-pairs analyses were used to identify significant effects of post-transplant parathyroidectomy on graft function as assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and paired t tests.

RESULTS

Donor kidney function KDIGO stage III (P = .030; OR = 5.191, 95% CI: 1.100-24.508), donor blood group 0 (P = .005; OR = 0.176, 95% CI: 0.048-0.642), and post-transplant parathyroidectomy (P = .032; OR = 17.849, 95% CI: 1.086-293.268) were revealed as independent significant risk factors for compromised renal graft function in the short-term follow-up cohort using propensity score risk adjustment while post-transplant parathyroidectomy had no independent influence in the long-term follow-up cohort (P = .651). Parathyroidectomy after renal transplantation compromised graft function early after parathyroidectomy and at last follow-up in all post-transplant parathyroidectomy cases (P ≤ .004). Parathyroidectomy within the first post-transplant year was associated with compromised renal graft function until last follow-up (P = .004), while parathyroidectomy late post-transplant was not.

CONCLUSION

Parathyroidectomy should be conducted before transplantation or, if this is not possible, preferably after the first post-transplant year.

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.

Ultrasound-based scores as predictors for nodular hyperplasia in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism: a prospective validation study

PURPOSE

Former studies evaluated echostructural and vascular patterns in ultrasound of the parathyroid gland to identify nodular hyperplasia in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism due to chronic kidney disease. This prospective study aims to externally validate suggested ultrasound classifications.

METHODS

Parathyroid glands of 27 patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism undergoing parathyroidectomy were prospectively analyzed. Ultrasound including Doppler imaging was performed 1 day prior to surgery. Ultrasound data were available for 70 parathyroid glands. Echostructural and vascular scores according to previous studies were applied calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Overall correctness, sensitivity, and specificity of the investigated scores were assessed with the Youden index method.

RESULTS

The Doppler score introduced by Vulpio and colleagues based on characteristic blood flow patterns in parathyroid glands showed an AUROC of 0.749 for the prediction of nodular hyperplasia with an overall correctness of 72.8%. Other ultrasound classifications based on blood flow patterns, as well as echostructure of the parathyroid gland displayed AUROCs of <0.700, thus, lacking sufficient capability as a prognostic model. Overall correctness of prediction varied from 53.8 to 55.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

The Vulpio Doppler score for the prediction of nodular hyperplasia in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism was externally validated for the first time. Other ultrasound scores fail as prognostic models in this study population. Doppler sonography of the parathyroid gland has prognostic capability to identify nodular hyperplasia as surrogate marker for patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism indicating the need for ablative or surgical treatment when failing conservative therapy.