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Primary hyperparathyroidism in childhood and adolescence
C S Cronin1, T S Reeve, B Robinson
1Department of Surgery, Washington University, School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Primary hyperparathyroidism presents differently in children and adolescents compared to adults. Younger patients often experience severe hypercalcemic crisis and abdominal symptoms due to delayed diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is rare in pediatric populations.
- Understanding PHPT presentation in children is crucial for timely diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the presentation and pathology of PHPT in children and adolescents.
- To compare pediatric PHPT findings with adult cases.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients undergoing parathyroid surgery.
- Comparison with data from 100 consecutive adult parathyroidectomies.
Main Results:
- Eight pediatric patients (3 children, 5 adolescents) were analyzed.
- 50% of younger patients presented with hypercalcemic crisis vs. 8% of adults.
- 88% of young patients reported abdominal symptoms, compared to 1% of adults.
- Sporadic tumors were common in young patients (7/8).
Conclusions:
- PHPT in the young is typically sporadic, not familial.
- Delayed diagnosis in children and adolescents leads to severe presentations like hypercalcemic crisis and abdominal symptoms.