Transient rise in intact parathyroid hormone concentration after surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Two‐site immunometric assays for determination of the level of intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) in serum have enabled detailed clinical studies of PTH secretion. Fifty‐ one patients with primary hyperparathyroidism were studied before surgery and 2 years after operation. PTH levels dropped to low values after operation. A rebound increase in PTH concentration occurred from 10 days to 3 months after surgery. Abnormally raised postoperative PTH concentrations were noted in 31 per cent of the patients, who had lower serum concentrations of ionized calcium (Ca2+) than the rest (P < 0·003). Before operation these patients had a more pronounced hyperparathyroidism than the others. At 2 years after surgery there was still a positive correlation between PTH concentrations before and after surgery (P < 0·001). The rebound increase in the level of PTH was a general phenomenon probably caused by low Ca2+ concentrations at the time of remineralization of bone. This phenomenon was transient. The positive correlation between preoperative and postoperative PTH concentrations shows that effects of hyperparathyroidism can remain for a long time after surgical cure.
Funding Information
  • Swedish Research Council (6534)