Delayed Calcium Normalization after Successful Parathyroidectomy in Primary Hyperparathyroidism.

INTRODUCTION: Parathyroidectomy is the curative treatment option in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). The decrease of parathormone (PTH) by 50% or more from levels prior to surgery after excision predicts successful parathyroidectomy. Serum calcium is expected to return to normal within 24-72 hours after the surgery; however, nearly 10% have transient, persistent postoperative hypercalcemia. We present a case report of delayed calcium normalization after successful parathyroidectomy in a 38-year-old patient with PHPT. METHODS: Parathyroidectomy was performed, with evidence of a decrease in PTH levels of more than 50% in the first 24 hours postoperatively compared to presurgical PTH; however, despite curative parathyroidectomy, a delayed calcium normalization was evidenced, with hypercalcemia persistence up to 120 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: After the first month postoperatively, serum calcium remained normal. In conclusion, approximately 10% of patients with curative parathyroidectomy have transient, persistent postoperative hypercalcemia, which is more likely to occur in patients with higher preoperative serum calcium and PTH levels. CONCLUSION: Persistent hypercalcemia after the first month postoperatively is related with persistent PHPT, highlighting the importance of calcium monitoring after parathyroidectomy to predict short-term, medium-term, and long-term outcomes and prognosis.

Hiperparatiroidismo terciario como presentación de enfermedad ósea metabólica en trasplante renal: un reto diagnóstico-terapéutico. Presentación de un caso clínico / Tertiaryhyperparathyroidism as a manifestation of bone mineral metabolismdisease in kidneytransplantrecipient: a diagnostic and therapeuticchallenge. Presentation of a clinical case

RESUMEN El hiperparatiroidismo terciario se caracteriza por hipercalcemia e hiperparatiroidismo autónomo en el contexto de hiperparatiroidismo secundario persistente. El HPT3 se relaciona con calcificaciones extraesqueléticas o calcifilaxis, fracturas, dolor óseo, pérdida progresiva de la densidad mineral ósea, nefrocalcinosis, litiasis, disfunción o rechazo del aloinjerto, alteraciones neuropsiquiátricas, enfermedad cardiovascular y aumento de la morbimortalidad. La paratiroidectomía subtotal es el tratamiento de elección, con altas tasas de curación. Presentamos el caso de una paciente con hiperparatiroidismo terciario como enfermedad ósea metabólica después de un trasplante renal exitoso, con evolución insidiosa y daño óseo severo, con adecuada respuesta al tratamiento oportuno con paratiroidectomía subtotal. El diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno del hiperparatiroidismo terciario en el paciente con trasplante renal es fundamental para disminuir la incidencia de comorbilidades, mejorar el pronóstico del paciente y optimizar recursos de salud.

ABSTRACT Tertiary hyperparathyroidism (THPT) is characterized by hypercalcemia and autonomous hyperparathyroidism in the context of persistent secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). THPT is related with extraskeletal calcifications, calciphylaxis, fractures, bone pain, progressive loss of bone mineral density, nephrocalcinosis, lithiasis, kidney allograft dysfunction and rejection, neuropsychiatric alterations, cardiovascular disease, and high morbimortality. Subtotal parathyroidectomy is the gold standard for treatment, with high cure rates. We described a case of THPT as a manifestation of Bone Mineral Metabolism Disease after a successful kidney transplant, with an insidious evolution and severe bone damage, with an adequate response to subtotal parathyroidectomy. We evidenced that early diagnosis and treatment of THPT in kidney transplant recipients is essential to the diminution of comorbidities, the improvement of prognosis and the optimization of health resources.