Characterization of hyperparathyroidism in youth and adolescents: a literature review

To systematically review the preoperative diagnostic modalities, surgical treatments, and glandular pathologies associated with primary hyperparathyroidism in children and adolescents under 20 years of age.

We searched PUBMED, Cochrane databases, OVID, Web of Science (SCIE and SSCI), CINAHL, and Health Source: Nursing academic for articles involving surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism in the pediatric population on 5/2012.

Literature review, database review, and retrospective review studies date were used from 1986 until 2012. Ages ranged for 0-19 years old.

Of the 230 cases of pediatric primary hyperparathyroidism reported since 1987, solitary adenomas (SA), multiple gland hyperplasia disease (MGHD), double adenomas (DA), and normal parathyroid gland pathology occurred in 80%, 16.5%, 0.9%, and 2.6% respectively. Of the MGHD patients (38 pts), 1/2 (19 pts) of the cases were attributed to MEN I, MEN II, or familial non MEN hyperparathyroidism. Tc(99m)-sestamibi and ultrasound were 86% (37/43) and 74.5% (70/94) sensitive, respectively for localizing parathyroid disease.

Limited data exists on pediatric and adolescent patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Sufficient data exists demonstrating single adenomas are most common and young patients are usually more symptomatic than adults. One may conclude that spontaneous primary hyperparathyroidism may be approached and managed similarly to adults. The incidence of primary hyperparathyroidism in this population may be under appreciated and a lower threshold for ordering a screening serum calcium should be considered.