Primary hyperparathyroidism in pregnancy: a case series and literature review.

Primary Hyperparathyroidism (PHP) in pregnancy constitutes a serious danger to mother and fetus. The diagnosis of PHP in pregnancy presents a challenge, and PHP commonly goes unidentified and untreated in pregnancy. We present four case reports about patients having PHP, which is very rare condition in pregnancy and their treatment modalities. Three patients, not to be controlled biochemically, denied the parathyroidectomy operation although they are informed about the details of their disease. They are followed up with medical therapy. The first one had no maternal or fetal complications, the second one acquired nephrolithiasis crisis in the last trimester and the third one gave birth to a premature baby who succumbed to tetany. The fourth patient who underwent parathyroidectomy operation in the second trimester had no maternal or fetal complications. PHP in pregnancy is a preventable cause of fetal and maternal mortality and morbidity. Thus, suspecting from PHP during the pregnancy and early diagnosis is critically important in terms of maternal and fetal wellness.

Use of cinacalcet in nephrolithiasis associated with normocalcemic or hypercalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism: results of a prospective randomized pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate, by means of a prospective randomized study, the efficacy of cinacalcet in the forms of nephrolithiasis associated with primary hyperparathyroidism in both the hypercalcemic and normocalcemic variant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients suffering from active nephrolithiasis associated with primary hyperparathyroidism (4 hypercalcemics and 6 normocalcemics), equally divided between males and females, were randomly but not blindly addressed to treatment with potassium citrate and allopurinol, or to the same therapeutic regimen in combination with cinacalcet. The dosage of cinacalcet was optimized for each patient in order to obtain a reduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH) within normal limits while enabling the maintenance of adequate calcemic values. All study participants were given the same diet based on a reduction in sodium intake, oxalate-rich foods and animal protein with standardized intake of calcium and an increase in hydration. After a follow up period of 10 months , cinacalcet was associated to standard therapy and diet in patients who were not taken it, conversely cinacalcet was withdrawn in the remaining patients who remained on standard therapeutic regimen and diet. Follow up was continued for a second period of observation of the same duration of the first. RESULTS: At the end of the period of treatment with cinacalcet, for both variants of hyperparathyroidism, a statistically significant reduction in the overall number and in the diameter of renal stones was found. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective randomized study shows the effectiveness of cinacalcet used in combination with a diet with normalized calcium intake, in reducing the number and size of urinary stones in hypercalemic and normocalcemic forms of primary hyperparathyroidism.