Abstract
ObjectiveThe extent of symptoms due to primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) depends on the population being studied. PHPT is mainly discovered incidentally through routine laboratory findings. Less is known about patient-experienced improvement following successful parathyroidectomy. The aim of our study was to assess the changes in the quality of life (QoL) after successful surgery using an SF-36 questionnaire.DesignThis is a prospective cohort study based on questionnaires.MethodsForty consecutive patients diagnosed with PHPT were prospectively administered an SF-36 questionnaire before and 6 months after successful parathyroidectomy. A subgroup of 18 patients answered the questionnaire at 1 and 3 months after surgery. Successful surgery was based on biochemistry and pathology reports as confirmed by an endocrinologist. Results of each SF-36 subcategory were compared to the results at baseline in order to detect changes in patient-reported QoL after successful surgery.ResultsThere were significant improvements in six of eight SF-36 subcategories: vitality (P = 0.0001), physical functioning (P = 0.04), general health perception (P = 0.004), physical role functioning (P = 0.04), social role functioning (P = 0.004), and mental health perception (P = 0.0001). Changes appeared within a month after surgery with no further significant changes at later time points.ConclusionsParathyroidectomy significantly improves QoL as measured by a decrease in SF-36 scores as early as 1 month after successful parathyroidectomy. The SF-36 QoL questionnaire is suitable for monitoring changes in patient well-being after successful parathyroidectomy.
Highlights
Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is characterized by hyperfunctioning tissue in one or more of the parathyroid glands, causing an increase in parathyroid hormone (PTH)
Results of each SF-36 subcategory were compared to results at baseline in order to detect changes in patient-reported quality of life after successful surgery
The SF-36 quality of life (QoL) questionnaire is suitable for monitoring changes in patient wellbeing after successful parathyroidectomy
Summary
Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is characterized by hyperfunctioning tissue in one or more of the parathyroid glands, causing an increase in parathyroid hormone (PTH). This results in renal tubular reabsorption and osteoclastic bone resorption. Symptoms of PHPT are diverse and often nonspecific and include musculoskeletal symptoms (decreased muscle strength, painful joints), neuropsychiatric symptoms (e.g. anxiety, depression / mood change, fatigue, memory problems), and gastrointestinal discomfort, including constipation[1,2]. All of these factors may potentially affect quality of life (QoL)
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