No recurrence of sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism when cure is established 6 months after parathyroidectomy

Cure rate for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is reported to be 94-100% 1 year after surgery, but recent data suggest recurrence in 4% of the patients 1-5 years post-operatively. The aim of our study was to establish the cure rate and its maintenance in the long-term after parathyroidectomy (PTx) in patients with sporadic PHPT.

Evaluation of recurrence in patients with sporadic hyperparathyroidism who underwent PTx 1-24 years prior to the study.

We identified 111 patients who underwent initial PTx between 1984 and 2008, and had no MEN-1, MEN-2, or CaR mutation; parathyroid carcinoma; a history of lithium use; or renal failure. Thirty-eight patients were lost to follow-up or were unwilling or unable to participate in the study. Cure was defined as maintenance of normal serum calcium and parathyroid hormone concentrations 6 months after PTx.

Cure was achieved in 68 of 73 patients studied (93%) and was sustained in all for 6+/-5 years.

The cure rate of sporadic PHPT after initial surgery is 93%. When cure is achieved, this is sustained in 100% of the patients for up to 24 years post-operatively. Our data suggest that closer early follow-up is advocated in all patients undergoing PTx to definitively establish cure and to provide a safety net for those with residual gland pathology. The data do not support the need for long-term follow-up when cure is established 6 months after PTx.