Primary hyperparathyroidism in Saudi Arabia revisited: a multi-centre observational study

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Bone Disease
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a significant endocrine disorder causing hypercalcemia.
• PHPT remains understudied in the Arabian population, particularly within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
• Understanding the demographics and clinical features of PHPT in Saudi Arabia is crucial for improved patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the demographics of PHPT in Saudi Arabia.
• To describe the clinical presentation of PHPT in the Saudi population.
• To provide the largest dataset on PHPT in the GCC region to date.

Main Methods:

• A multi-center retrospective study was conducted across three tertiary hospitals in Riyadh, Al Ahsa, and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
• Data from 205 confirmed PHPT cases (aged 16-93 years) were analyzed.
• Demographics, clinical manifestations, surgical outcomes, and laboratory/radiological investigations (including PTH, calcium, eGFR, and nuclear scans) were recorded.

Main Results:

• PHPT incidence shows an increasing trend (12.8 cases/100,000 population).
• Females are predominantly affected (3:1 ratio), with 86% presenting as out-patients.
• Kidney stones (15.6%) and osteoporosis (32.7%) were the most common renal and skeletal manifestations, respectively. Regional variations in comorbidities and symptoms were noted.

Conclusions:

• The study suggests a rising incidence of PHPT in Saudi Arabia.
• Significant regional variations in PHPT clinical presentation exist within Saudi Arabia.
• Further research is warranted to investigate these observed regional differences.