Medical treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism: effects on parathormone and vitamin D metabolites

A 63-year-old woman was treated medically for primary hyperparathyroidism because of a recent myocardial infarction. She received propranolol alone or combined with either cimetidine, calcitonin or disodium etidronate (EHDP). The treatment did not affect the elevated serum parathormone or urinary cyclic AMP levels, nor did it correct the elevated serum 1,25(OH)2D and the decreased serum 24,25(OH)2D levels in this patient. Propranolol combined with either cimetidine or with EHDP (600 mg/day) caused a mild decrease in the serum calcium level which, however, remained within the hypercalcemic range. Following surgery all parameters returned to normal. We conclude that the above medical regimens were incapable of correcting the hyperparathyroid condition in this patient.