Hypoparathyroidism is associated with bladder dysfunction, a preliminary study.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Endocrinology
• Nephrology

Background:

• Hypoparathyroidism (HP) following head and neck surgery can cause hypocalcemia and associated health issues.
• Bladder function disturbances are a potential, yet understudied, comorbidity in these patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess lower urinary tract (UT) function in premenopausal women with postoperative HP.
• To compare bladder function metrics between HP patients and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• Uroflowmetry was used to measure urine flow rate.
• Validated questionnaires, including Overactive Bladder-Validated 8 (OAB-V8) and Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index/Interstitial Cystitis Problem Index (ICSI/ICPI), assessed lower UT symptoms.
• Post-voiding residue (PVR) was measured in both the hypoparathyroidism and control groups.

Main Results:

• Patients with postoperative HP reported significantly higher ICSI, ICPI, and OAB-V8 scores compared to controls.
• Higher post-voiding residue (PVR) levels were observed in the postoperative HP group.
• Negative correlations were found between urinary symptom scores (ICSI, ICPI, OAB-V8), PVR, and serum calcium/parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels.

Conclusions:

• Postoperative hypoparathyroidism is associated with significant lower urinary tract dysfunction.
• Bladder dysfunction and related symptoms should be considered in the management of patients with postoperative HP.