Pediatric primary hyperparathyroidism: Surgical pathology and long-term outcomes in sporadic and familial cases

Thomas Szabo Yamashita1, Hallbera Gudmundsdottir1, Trenton R Foster1

  • 1Mayo Clinic, Department of Surgery, 200 1st Street SW, 55905, Rochester, MN, USA.

Insights

Pediatric primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) surgery outcomes show familial cases have higher recurrence rates than sporadic ones. Closer follow-up is needed for familial PHPT patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric endocrinology
  • Surgical outcomes research

Background:

  • Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is uncommon in children.
  • Surgical outcome data for pediatric PHPT is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze surgical outcomes in pediatric patients with PHPT.
  • To compare outcomes between familial and sporadic PHPT cases.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 66 patients (≤21 years) undergoing PHPT surgery from 1994-2020.
  • Analysis of patient demographics, genetic testing, surgical approach, and outcomes including persistence and recurrence.

Main Results:

  • Familial PHPT cases (32%) showed significantly lower rates of single gland disease (19% vs. 85%) compared to sporadic cases.
  • Recurrence rates were higher in familial PHPT (38% vs. 2%) with a median time to recurrence of 61 months versus 124 months in sporadic cases.
  • Persistence rates were similar between familial and sporadic groups (9% vs. 9%).

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric PHPT is often sporadic, but genetic syndromes should be considered.
  • Familial PHPT cases present distinct surgical characteristics and higher recurrence rates, necessitating vigilant long-term follow-up.
Abstract