Planned parathyroidectomy: the new standard in hypercalcemic crisis

The study sought to determine the clinical features of hyperparathyroid-induced hypercalcemic crisis (HIHC) along with treatment options and outcomes.

This is a retrospective analysis of our historical cohort of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Patients were divided in groups according to their calcium levels and clinical presentation. HIHC (group 1) was assumed when patients had high calcium levels and needed emergency hospitalization. Group 2 was composed of patients with calcium levels above 16 mg/dL or patients who needed hospitalization for classical PHPT symptoms. Group 3 was composed of clinically stable patients with calcium levels between 14 and 16 mg/dL, who were electively treated.

Twenty-nine patients had calcium levels above 14 mg/dL. HIHC group had seven patients, and initial clinical measures had good response in two patients, moderate response in one patient, and poor response in four patients. All poor responders underwent immediate surgery, and one of them died due to HIHC complications. Group 2 had nine patients, and all were successfully treated during hospitalization. Group 3 had 13 patients, and all had a successful elective surgery.

HIHC is a life-threatening condition that requires fast clinical intervention. Surgery is the only definitive treatment and should be planned for all patients. Poor response to initial clinical measures should direct treatment toward surgery to avoid disease progression and clinical deterioration.