Primary hyperparathyroidism and familial hyperparathyroid syndromes

Primary hyperparathyroidism and familial hyperparathyroid syndromes.
Blackburn M, Diamond T.

Aust Fam Physician. 2007 Dec;36(12):1029-33.

BACKGROUND: Ninety percent of cases of hypercalcaemia are due to primary hyperparathyroidism or hypercalcaemia of malignancy.

OBJECTIVE: This article outlines the diagnostic features of primary hyperparathyroidism and determines who would benefit from parathyroidectomy. It also aims to raise awareness of familial hyperparathyroid syndromes.

DISCUSSION: Diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism requires hypercalcaemia, elevated or inappropriately normal serum parathyroid hormone and a fractional urinary excretion of calcium greater than 0.02. Many patients benefit from parathyroidectomy, which has a high rate of cure.