Analysis of Diagnostic Methods for Focal Lesions in Breast Glands with Use of Open Surgical Biopsies and Core-Needle Biopsies in Poland.

BACKGROUND Numerous studies confirm the benefits of using core-needle biopsy (CNB) for diagnosing patients with suspected breast cancer, thus reducing the costs and the stress, and allowing optimum treatment planning. The present study examined the number of patients in Poland who had been diagnosed with breast cancer through inpatient open surgical biopsy (OSB) and CNB by province. MATERIAL AND METHODS This retrospective study used a health needs map to identify patients in 2014 and partially in 2015 who had had OSB or CNB of the breast performed on an inpatient basis due to benign breast lesions and whose diagnosis had been changed from benign to malignant. RESULTS Among the total number of hospitalizations (13 718 cases with OSB) due to benign lesions of the breast, 1506 patients had their diagnosis changed to malignant, constituting 8.59% of new breast cancer diagnoses across the country. The resulting diagnosis change from benign to malignant varied significantly across provinces, from 5.3% to 23.4%. Among the total of 7205 hospitalizations in 2014 with CNB performed using different methods, there were 1574 malignancies, amounting to 8.9% of new diagnoses in Poland. The use of inpatient CNB to diagnose breast cancer differed significantly across provinces, from 0.6% to 34.4%. CONCLUSIONS OSBs are too often used to diagnose focal lesions in breast glands in Poland. In some regions, CNBs are too frequently performed on an inpatient rather than outpatient basis, thereby requiring an analysis of the quality of and access to modern diagnostic methods.

[Diverticulosis of the proximal part of the jejunum causing intestinal obstruction - case report].

Diverticulosis is a rare disease with a multifactorial aetiology, with a large majority in the elderly. It is characterized by a mildly symptomatic and non-specific clinical symptom. Unequivocal diagnosis can be difficult and not always possible before intraoperative examination. Delayed diagnosis can result in life-threatening consequences such as intestinal perforation or hemorrhage. A case of an 86-year-old patient with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting lasting for 2 days was reported. In the physical examination of the deviation from the normal state, general abrasion, flatulence and tenderness were found in the mesogastric abdominal area. In the past 6 months, the patient reported weight loss and a change in bowel movements. In laboratory tests, low leucocytosis, with normal levels of C-reactive protein. Despite intensive treatment, no improvement in general condition was observed. Due to persistent abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms, it was decided to perform reconnaissance laparotomy. Several diverticulae of the initial small intestine were found in the intestine at ca. 20 cm from the Treitz ligament. The intestines were decompress by cutting them. Due to localization of lesions, no inflammation, perforation or haemorrhage, age and general condition of the patient, resection of the diseased segment of the small intestine was rescued. Perioperative and postoperative course without complications. Patient was discharged home in good general condition 10 days after surgery.

Treatment of parathormone-dependent hypercalcaemia in the third-trimester of pregnancy.

Not required for Clinical Vignette.

Acute pancreatitis associated with primary hyperparathyroidism during pregnancy.

Not required for Clinical Vignette.

Parathyroid carcinoma - a study of 29 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare condition and accounts for < 1% of cases of sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism. It accounts for 0.005% of all cancers. Often the differentiation between adenoma and carcinoma is challenging and requires multidisciplinary cooperation. Complete surgical resection is the treatment of choice. We present a retrospective analysis of 29 patients who were surgically treated for parathyroid cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between the years 1983 and 2018, 71 (7.0%) patients were treated for suspicion of parathyroid cancer among a group of 1019 operated for primary hyperparathyroidism. RESULTS: We confirmed the diagnosis of parathyroid cancer in 29 (2.8%) patients, 12 men and 17 women, aged 27 to 77 years, mean 55.1 years. That constituted 43.9% of the 71 patients with initial suspicion of cancer diagnosis. All operated patients were under long-term observation. CONCLUSIONS: A diagnosis of parathyroid carcinoma should always be considered during surgery in patients diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism, especially in patients with severe hypercalcaemia, significantly enlarged neck circumference, and concomitant diseases of the renal and skeletal system. Parathyroid carcinoma is rarely definitively diagnosed preoperatively or even intraoperatively, and the final diagnosis can be made exclusively after operation. The optimal treatment is a complete surgical resection at a reference centre - specialized in parathyroid surgery - to improve outcomes and provide the best chance of recovery.

Multiglandular Parathyroid Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Multiglandular parathyroid disease (MGD) is an uncommon cause of primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) and has been reported in the literature in 8-33% of patients with pHPT. The aim of our study was to review the clinical characteristics and management of MGD and evaluation of surgical treatment failures. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 163 patients with pHPT undergoing parathyroidectomy (PTX) at the Department of General and Endocrine Surgery between 1983 and 2018. All these patients were diagnosed with MGD. This group of patients was compared with a group of 856 patients with solitary disease operated for pHPT in the same period. RESULTS: Among 163 patients-127 (79%) of them had two lesions, 28 (16%) had three, and 8 (5%) four. They were prevalently women over the age of 50. The diagnosis was based on PTH and ionized calcium studies and used sestamibi technetium-99m scintigraphy (MIBI) as well for us. Treatment was surgical. CONCLUSIONS: Parathyroidectomy (PTX) for multiglandular parathyroid disease (MGD) is associated with a higher operative risk of failure compared to solitary disease. Preoperative diagnosis and localization of the parathyroid glands is an extremely important element of treatment. Diagnosis is based on PTH and calcium levels. Ultrasonography (USG), MRI, and scintigraphy are very helpful in diagnosis. Mediastinal multiglandular parathyroid disease (MGD) is associated with increased surgical treatment failures. The treatment is surgical and consists of the removal of the masses or complete parathyroidectomy. Based on this study, we support the existence of multiple adenomas and advocate the removal of only macroscopically enlarged parathyroid glands in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Parathormone concentration in the fluid of fine-needle parathyroid biopsy for assessing the effectiveness of surgical treatment of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the work was to evaluate the usefulness of intraoperative determination of parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentration in the fluid of fine-needle biopsy lesions of pathologically parathyroid glands for their identification and evaluation of the effectiveness of surgical treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group comprised 75 patients: 65 women and 10 men, aged 33-78 years (mean 57.5), operated in the years 2019-2020 due to PHP. Seventy-nine biopsies of fine-needle aspiration lesions were assessed intraoperatively as pathological parathyroid glands were collected, and the concentration of PTH was determined in their lavage fluid. The results were compared with a control group of 20 patients operated at that time for various forms of goitre, without concomitant parathyroid disease. RESULTS: In 79 biopsies, the presence of the parathyroid gland was confirmed 72 times. The concentration of PTH in the biopsy fluid exceeded the value of 5000 pg/mL 70 times, 1 was 3733 pg/mL, and 1 was 1985 pg/mL. Seven times (8.9%), the biopsy was for a colloidal nodule instead of the parathyroid gland. The concentration of PTH in the fluids of these biopsies was low and ranged from 5.3 to 500 pg/mL. In the control group, the concentration of PTH in postoperative thyroid biopsies was low and did not exceed the reference value range of up to 64 pg/mL. Comparison of the results of the study group with the control group shows significantly higher PTH values in parathyroid biopsies compared to biopsies of thyroid specimens (p = 0.017), with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of nearly 93%. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative determination of PTH concentration in the fluid of fine-needle biopsy lesions with diseased parathyroid glands allows for their identification and evaluation of the effectiveness of surgical treatment of PHP. Testing the concentration of PTH in the biopsy fluid of dissected parathyroid glands is characterized by high sensitivity and specificity of the method. The value of PTH concentration in fluid from parathyroid biopsies does not depend on the cause of PHP.

Diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer in adult patients - Recommendations of Polish Scientific Societies and the National Oncological Strategy. 2022 Update [Diagnostyka i leczenie raka tarczycy u chorych doroslych - Rekomendacje Polskich Towarzystw Naukowych oraz Narodowej Strategii Onkologicznej. Aktualizacja na rok 2022].

The guidelines Thyroid Cancer 2022 are prepared based on previous Polish recommendations updated in 2018. They consider international guidelines - American Thyroid Association (ATA) 2015 and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN); however, they are adapted according to the ADAPTE process. The strength of the recommendations and the quality of the scientific evidence are assessed according to the GRADE system and the ATA 2015 and NCCN recommendations. The core of the changes made in the Polish recommendations is the inclusion of international guidelines and the results of those scientific studies that have already proven themselves prospectively. These extensions allow de-escalation of the therapeutic management in low-risk thyroid carcinoma, i.e., enabling active surveillance in papillary microcarcinoma to be chosen alternatively to minimally invasive techniques after agreeing on such management with the patient. Further extensions allow the use of thyroid lobectomy with the isthmus (hemithyroidectomy) in low-risk cancer up to 2 cm in diameter, modification of the indications for postoperative radioiodine treatment toward personalized approach, and clarification of the criteria used during postoperative L-thyroxine treatment. At the same time, the criteria for the preoperative differential diagnosis of nodular goiter in terms of ultrasonography and fine-needle aspiration biopsy have been clarified, and the rules for the histopathological examination of postoperative thyroid material have been updated. New, updated rules for monitoring patients after treatment are also presented. The updated recommendations focus on ensuring the best possible quality of life after thyroid cancer treatment while maintaining the good efficacy of this treatment.

Flow cytometric DNA analysis of parathyroid benign lesions.

INTRODUCTION: It is difficult to differentiate benign and malignant lesions just by histopathological evaluation due to lack of clear criteria of diagnosis. Moreover, the group of benign pathologies of parathyroids is not homogenous, and recurrence of symptoms of hyperparathyroidism after surgical management was also noted in this group. This complication is not always due to inappropriate surgical technique. The goal of this work was to find the relationship between cellular ploidy and proliferative activity of adenomas and hyperplasia of parathyroids and preoperative levels of calcium and parathormone in the serum of patients surgically treated for primary hyperparathyroidism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 98 parathyroid glands were tested, of which 81 (82.7%) were from female patients and 17 (17.3%) from male; the age of the patients was from 22 to 82 years, with an average of 58 years. RESULTS: In resected glands pathological evaluation showed the following results: in 53 (54.1%) adenoma was present, and in 45 (45.9%) there was hyperplasia. Sixty-seven of the samples (68.4%) were characterised as diploid and 31 (31.6%) as aneuploid. There is important positive correlation (r = 0.34595; p = 0.011) between the percentage of S-phase cells (% SPF) and calcium levels measured prior to surgical resection of adenoma. The further analysis of patients with adenoma characterised by aneuploidy proved a statistically valid, positive correlation between %SPF and ionised calcium levels in blood serum of patients both before (r = 0.7189; p = 0.003) and after the surgical treatment (r = 0.6313; p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: 1. Benign lesions of parathyroid with ploidy indicates their heterogeneity. 2. In aneuploid benign adenomas of parathyroid glands an increased percentage of cells in S phase (% SPF) correlates with a high level of calcium in serum pre- and post-parathyroidectomy.

Management of patients with secondary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism referred to surgical treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Aim of the study was present personal observations connected with the management of patients referred to surgical treatment for secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHT) or tertiary hyperparathyroidism (THT), and to assess immediate results of such management. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 175 patients aged 21-80 years were treated surgically for SHT, and 16 patients aged 36-64 years were treated surgically for THT, between 1 January 1996 and 31 December 2008. The patients were classified for surgical treatment in cooperation with a nephrologist, internist, and anaesthesiologist. Each patient underwent bilateral exploration of the neck and assessment of all identified parathyroid glands. Subtotal parathyroidectomy or resection of parathyroid glands combined with autotransplantation (the latter in two patients with recurrent SHT) were performed. Ionized calcium concentration in blood serum, water-electrolyte equilibrium, and cardiovascular system were monitored postoperatively. RESULTS: A fall in ionized calcium levels was obtained postoperatively in all patients. Successful surgical treatment was confirmed by intraoperative macroscopic and immunochemical examinations. Intensive bleeding from the wound was noted in 2 (1%) patients, and intensified stenocardial symptoms in 15 (7.9%) patients with SHT. No deaths were noted during the perioperative period. Five (2.8%) patients with SHT required emergency dialyses. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Surgical treatment of secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism requires close cooperation between the surgeon, nephrologist, internist, and anaesthesiologist. 2. Successful results of the treatment, including minimum cardiovascular complications, can only be obtained in integrated cooperation with a dialysis centre.

Diagnosis of metastatic tumours to the thyroid gland by fine needle aspiration biopsy.

INTRODUCTION: Malignant metastases are rarely found in the thyroid gland, the incidence reaching approximately 2% of all thyroid malignant neoplasms. They are most often caused by tumours of the kidneys, lungs, mammary glands, ovary, and colon or by melanomas. The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) for diagnosing tumour metastases to thyroid glands. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 15122 patients were operated between 1990 and 2009 for goitres. Malignant neoplasm was diagnosed in 733 (4.8%) patients. Malignant metastases to the thyroid gland were detected in 10 patients, namely 2 men and 8 women aged 48-89 years. The group made up 1.4% of all patients operated for malignant thyroid tumour. Preoperative diagnostic procedure consisted of thyroid scintigraphy, thyroid ultrasonography, and cytology of the material obtained through FNA. In addition, the hormonal activity of the thyroid gland was examined. The range of operation was established through clinical assessment of the tumour, preoperative cytology, and intra-operative histopathology. RESULTS: Among 7 patients with thyroid metastases from renal clear cell carcinoma, as diagnosed postoperatively, cytology of the thyroid material obtained through FNA revealed follicular tumour in 3 (43%) patients, tumour cells in 2 (28.5%) and atypical cells in the other 2 (28.5%). Intraoperative histopathology confirmed the presence of metastasis from renal clear cell carcinoma (1) and indicated thyroid medullary cancer (1), follicular tumour (4), or trabecular adenoma with necrosis (1). Among two patients with thyroid metastases from breast cancer, cytology confirmed a metastasis from breast cancer in one (the woman was disqualified for surgical treatment) and indicated follicular tumour in one. Intraoperative histopathology suggested thyroid anaplastic cancer. Examination of biopsy specimen revealed epithelial cells accompanied by cell atypia in one patient with thyroid metastasis from lung cancer. Intra-operative examination also indicated cellular atypia in the same patient. CONCLUSIONS: Follicular tumour diagnosed by fine needle aspiration biopsy in patients after treatment for other cancers, especially renal clear cell carcinoma, should alert the surgeon to the possibility that it could be a metastasis of this cancer to the thyroid gland.

Depressive and anxiety disorders in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. / Zaburzenia depresyjne i lekowe u chorych z pierwotna nadczynnoscia przytarczyc.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and severity of anxiety and depression in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), and to determine a relationship between the severity of these disorders and the serum calcium ion and parathyroid hormone level, as well as to evaluate the usefulness of self-rating scales in screening for depressive disorders in PHPT patients. METHODS: Using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), study was performed on a group of 101 patients with PHPT. A control group included 50 patients diagnosed with non-toxic thyroid goiter. RESULTS: The HAM-D indicated higher prevalence and severity of depressive symptoms in the whole population of patients and in women with PHPT. Such a relationship was not observed in men. The BDI-II indicated higher prevalence and severity of depressive symptoms in the whole population of patients and in women with PHPT. Such a relationship was not observed in men. The HADS did not show significant differences in the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms between the study and control groups in the whole population and after taking into account the gender division. CONCLUSIONS: A relationship between PHPT and depression was confirmed. Such a relationship was not confirmed for anxiety. A relationship between the severity of depression and the serum calcium ion and parathyroid hormone level was also not confirmed. A statistically significant negative correlation between the severity of anxiety and the serum calcium ion level in the whole population of patients, and an additional positive correlation between the serum parathyroid hormone level and the severity of anxiety in women were confirmed. Self-rating tests are not sufficient for screening for depressive disorders in PHPT patients.

Primary hyperparathyroidism.

Primary hyperparathyroidism is an endocrine disorder that results in overproduction of parathyroid hormone by overactivated parathyroid gland leading to a significant rise in blood serum calcium. It results in hypercalcaemia, which has a significant impact mainly on the kidneys and bones and results in a variety of signs and symptoms. Primary hyperparathyroidism should be treated because, if left without any therapy, it can lead even to death. Surgery is considered as the best and only successful therapy, with very low risk of recurrence and relatively low complication rate. The aim of this review is to present clinical basis, aetiology, diagnostic possibilities, and treatment opportunities.

Surgical treatment of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism with a risk of hypercalcaemic crisis.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of the work was to evaluate the effectiveness of surgical treatment in patients with a high risk of hypercalcaemic crisis due to primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and to determine the best time to undergo surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS AND RESULTS: Between 2010 and 2019, 627 patients underwent surgery due to PHPT. Sixty-two patients (9.9%) (47 women and 15 men, aged 28-79 years, average 53.7 years) faced the threat of a parathyroid crisis. In these patients, the average parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were 774.02 pg/mL (95% CI: 203-1246 pg/mL) and ionised calcium (iCa2+) 1.91 mmol/L (95% CI: 1.70-2.2 mmol/L). The PTH postoperative concentration averaged at 37.86 pg/mL (95% CI: 9.91-42.7 pg/mL) and iCa2 + 1.11 mmol/L (95% CI: 1.07-1.21 mmol/L). Bilateral neck exploration was performed in all patients with the removal of the affected parathyroid gland and biopsies of other parts. Histopathological examination revealed adenoma in 42 cases (67.7%), hyperplasia in 16 (25.7%), and parathyroid cancer in four of the patients (6.6%). Comparison of tests before and after surgery showed a statistically significant decrease in PTH (p < 0.001) and iCa (p < 0.001) in blood serum. CONCLUSIONS: A developing hypercalcaemic crisis in the course of hyperparathyroidism is an indication for preoperative intensive medical therapy, along with urgent surgical intervention and removal of diseased parathyroid glands. This type of surgery should be performed as soon as possible, even if there are no imaging tests, only based on an assessment of the general condition of the patient and their serum calcium levels.

Surgical Management of Primary Hyperparathyroidism-Clinicopathologic Study of 1019 Cases from a Single Institution.

BACKGROUND: Primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is an endocrine disorder characterized by hypercalcemia and caused by the presence of disordered parathyroid glands. Parathyroidectomy is the only curative therapy for pHPT, but despite its high cure rate of 95-98%, there are still cases where hypercalcemia persists after this surgical procedure. The aim of this study was to present the results of a surgical treatment of patients due to primary hyperparathyroidism and failures related to the thoracic location of the affected glands. METHODS: We present a retrospective analysis of 1019 patients who underwent parathyroidectomy in our department in the period 1983-2018. RESULTS: Among the group of 1019 operated-on patients, treatment failed in 19 cases (1.9%). In 16 (84.2%) of them, the repeated operation was successful. In total, 1016 patients returned to normocalcemia. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm that parathyreoidectomy is the treatment of choice for patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. The ectopic position of the parathyroid gland in the mediastinum is associated with an increased risk of surgical failure. Most parathyroid lesions in the mediastinum can be safely removed from the cervical access.

Malignant neoplasm of cecum in Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome patient.

The presented case is the another one which ilustates the coexistence of cecum malignancy and genetics-conditional multisystemic arteriovenous malformations. A 64-year-old male with the mucosal form of Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome presented a history of two different causes of lower gastrointestinal bleeding occurred clinically and confirmed by colonoscopy. The more dangerous one there was the malignant process in the cecum. The right hemicolectomy was successfully performed for malignancy removal. The postoperative course was uneventful. Repeated gastrointestinal bleedings in the course of Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome could readily hide the developmental malignant process within the colon. The main clinical implication is the mucosal form of Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome not excludes any malignant transformation within the gastrointestinal tract. The another one is the necessity of colonoscopy and gastroscopy in every case of gastrointestinal bleeding event.

[Riedel's goitre - rare and difficult to diagnose reason for surgical treatment of goiters]. / Wole Riedela - rzadka i trudna diagnostycznie przyczyna chirurgicznego leczenia wola.

INTRODUCTION: The paper reports a female patient treated surgically for Riedel's goitre. A total of 4775 patients were treated surgically between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2007 for various types of goitres. Thyroiditis was diagnosed in 193 (4.0%) cases. Among them Riedel's goitre was found in one (0.5%). CASE REPORT: A 51-year-old woman P.G. (case record No. 1377/2007) was admitted to our hospital with considerable dyspnea, both inspiratory and expiratory, accompanied by marked stridor and retrosternal goitre, the latter suspected of neoplasmic process. Thyroid gland was hard, its left lobe extending behind the sternum. No disorders in thyroid hormonal function or high antibody titre against thyroid peroxidase were observed. Ultrasonography revealed large thyroid gland with mediastinal invasion, nodulated and hypoechogenic. Fineneedle biopsy suggested thyroid colloidal tumor. X-ray of the chest and neck revealed wide upper portion of the mediastinum and narrow trachea. Laryngological examination confirmed paralysis of left vocal fold. The patient was operated under general endotracheal anesthesia. Both thyroid lobes were partially resected together with the isthmus, and malacic trachea was decompressed. No complications were observed during postoperative period. Paraffin histopathological examination confirmed the presence of Riedel's goitre. The patient was discharged in general good condition. She was under regular follow-up control and died 1.5 year after operation from further progress of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical course of Riedel's goitre may cause remarkable diagnostic problems, and requires a differentiation with thyroid malignant tumor. Surgical treatment of Riedel's goitres helps to quickly obtain correct diagnosis and improve both clinical condition and life comfort of the patients.

Stress proteins HSP27 and HSP70i predict survival in non-small cell lung carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The expression pattern of stress (heat shock) proteins (HSPs) in cancer cells is frequently different from that observed in normal cells; most often some stress-inducible HSPs are constitutively and highly expressed. The objective of this study was to determine the prognostic significance of stress proteins HSP70i and HSP27 in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: An immunohistochemical procedure that enables unambiguous detection of HSP70i protein was used. RESULTS: Strong HSP70i staining showed a survival advantage, although multivariate analysis did not confirm this result. There was an evident correlation between HSP27 overexpression and survival of patients and the results were confirmed by multivariate analysis: 70% of patients with HSP27-negative tumors died within one year after the surgery. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that HSP27 and HSP70i positivity may represent a favorable prognostic factor in NSCLC.

Oxidative stress in proliferative lesions of parathyroid gland.

BACKGROUND: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is one of the most common endocrine disorders and defined as excessive secretion of parathormone. PHPT is a risk factor of several cardiovascular diseases, which could be caused by alterations in oxidant-antioxidant balance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood serum collected from 52 consecutive patients with PHPT treated surgically constituted our study material, whereas 36 healthy volunteers were our control group. Oxidative stress was evaluated in both patients and control subjects by assessment of malondialdehyde (MDA) and lipid hydroperoxides (LHP). Antioxidants were evaluated by the measurement of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ceruloplasmin (CER), catalase (CAT), sulfhydryl (SH) groups, glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione transferase activity (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR). Moreover total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidative status (TOS) were measured and oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. RESULTS: OSI was increased in patients with PHPT when compared to normal controls, whereas TAC was lower in PHPT. The levels of CER, MnSOD, GR, SH groups and MDA were significantly decreased in PHPT. The levels of serum LHP, catalase and SOD were significantly higher in patients with PHPT than in healthy patients. The erythrocyte CAT activity and GST were significantly increased in patients after parathyroidectomy. The erythrocyte GR and GPx were up-regulated postoperatively, whereas SOD activity decreased. CONCLUSIONS: In PHPT there are several alterations in the balance between the production of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defense system.