Actigraphy measures show sleep improvement after parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism

The symptoms of primary hyperparathyroidism are often subtle, such as fatigue, mood changes, and sleep disturbances. After parathyroidectomy, patients often report improvement in sleep and mood; however, objective data supporting these improvements is lacking.

This prospective study uses standard measures to objectively and subjectively assess sleep in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism before and after parathyroidectomy.

A longitudinal prospective study was conducted over three one-week-long periods: pre-parathyroidectomy, 1-week post-parathyroidectomy, and three months post-parathyroidectomy. During each time point, patients wore an actigraphy device, recorded a sleep diary, and completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS). Statistical analysis was performed using repeated measures models to compare the average measures among the three time points and test for trends over time.

Single institution, tertiary care center.

Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism from ages 18 to 89 years old.

Parathyroidectomy between September 2020 and January 2024.

Actigraphy data, consensus sleep diary, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Depression Anxiety Stress Scales - 21 Items (DASS).

Thirty-six patients were enrolled, and 34 patients completed the study. Actigraphy data showed a significant negative trend in average sleep latency (p = 0.045) and average time in bed (p = 0.046). Sleep diary data showed additional differences in the number of awakenings (p = 0.002), wake after sleep onset (p < 0.001), sleep quality (p < 0.001), and sleep efficiency (p = 0.02) among the three time points and/or as a significant negative trend. PSQI and ISI scores were significantly different among the three time points (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively) and also declined significantly over time (p = 0.008 and p = 0.007, respectively). DASS depression, anxiety, and stress scores were significantly different among the three time points (p < 0.001, p = 0.01, and p < 0.001, respectively), and stress also declined significantly over time (p = 0.005).

This study represents the most extensive prospective study demonstrating objective and subjective sleep and mood improvement in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism after parathyroidectomy.