1alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 in primary hyperparathyroidism

The surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism with severe bone disease (and tertiary hyperparathyroidism) has frequently been complicated by severe and prolonged post-operative hypocalcaemia. In seven such cases a short-pre-operative course of 1alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 has been found to abolish these adverse features virtually completely and even to diminish pre-operative symptoms where present. Exacerbation of hypercalcaemia has not occurred and this regimen is thus recommended as a routine measure.