Pattern of Intraoperative Parathyroid Hormone and Calcium in the Treatment of Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism

Tertiary hyperparathyroidism, an autonomous hyperproduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH), has a challenge in its treatment. This study asked whether the intraoperative PTH and calcium drop can confirm the resection of all parathyroid tissues.

Case series with planned data collection.

Tertiary referral medical center.

The study assessed patients with tertiary hyperparathyroidism who were treated at the Hospital of the State University of Campinas from 2007 to 2015. All patients underwent total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation of parathyroid fragments. PTH and calcium were collected during the preoperative period; at 10, 20, and 240 minutes after resection of the glands; and at 1 year after the procedure. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and logistic regression analysis with statistical values of P < .05.

Thirty-five patients were assessed: 17 women (48.57%) and 18 men (51.43%). The percentage of PTH drop was statistically significant at all times, unlike the calcium analysis, but only PTH collected at 20 minutes was able to confirm the removal of all parathyroid tissues (P = .029). Based on the receiver operating characteristic curve, the 71.2% drop obtained high sensitivity and specificity (P = .028).

Treatment success can be predicted by analyzing the decrease of intraoperative PTH and not by calcium. The 71.2% PTH drop at 20 minutes after parathyroidectomy had high sensitivity and specificity to predict surgical cure.