Low Parathyroid Hormone Levels Research Articles

Vertebral fractures in patients with CKD and the general population: a call for diagnosis and action

Abstract Vertebral fractures (VFs) are the most common osteoporotic fractures in the general population, and they have been associated with high mortality, decreased quality of life and high risk of subsequent fractures, especially when recent, multiple or severe. Currently, VF diagnosis and classification determine fracture risk and the most appropriate anti-osteoporotic treatment. However, VFs are clearly underdiagnosed, especially in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and CKD-associated osteoporosis has been disregarded until recently. VFs are associated with higher morbidity and mortality, and their prevalence and incidence differ depending on the grade of renal dysfunction (CKD G1–G5) and/or the type of renal replacement therapy (dialysis or transplantation). In addition to classical risk factors [such as higher age, female sex, reduced bone mineral density (BMD), diabetes and steroid use], various other factors have been associated with an increased risk of VFs in CKD, including CKD grade, haemodialysis vintage, time since renal transplantation, low or high intact parathyroid hormone and phosphate levels, and/or vitamin D and K1 deficiencies. Importantly, several clinical societies have recently modified their algorithms according to the fracture risk classification (including the presence of VFs) and determined the most appropriate anti-osteoporotic treatment for the general population. However, there are no specific guidelines addressing this topic in patients with CKD despite an important paradigm shift regarding the prognostic value of BMD in 2017 after the publication of the CKD-Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD) KDIGO guidelines. A proactive attitude towards diagnosis, treatment and research is proposed to avoid therapeutic nihilism.

Comparing early and delayed [99mTc]Tc-MIBI SPECT/CT parathyroid scans: agreement, confidence levels, and clinical predictive factors

BackgroundParathyroid scan is an important imaging modality for localizing hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue in patients with hyperparathyroidism. Unfortunately, whether early or delayed timing is the optimal protocol for [99mTc]Tc-MIBI SPECT/CT parathyroid remains under debate. This study aimed to evaluate the agreement and compare the confidence levels of physicians when interpreting early and delayed [99mTc]Tc-MIBI SPECT/CT parathyroid scans. Additionally, it sought to identify clinical factors that related to positive scan result. We conducted a prospective study where the early and delayed [99mTc]Tc-MIBI SPECT/CT was separately interpreted as either positive or negative. Furthermore, these interpretations were categorized based on whether they fell within more or less confidence levels of the readers and were correlated with clinical information.ResultsWe enrolled 39 patients with hyperparathyroidism with 158 possible locations of parathyroid glands. The per-location agreement between the early and delayed scans was moderate (concordant rate: 80.3%, Kappa = 0.558), and the per-patient agreement was slight (concordant rate: 71.8%, Kappa = 0.093). The confidence of interpretation was significantly higher for the delayed scans. Calcium supplementation, low serum parathyroid hormone levels, and low serum phosphate levels were associated with positive early scans. High calcium level and high parathyroid hormone levels were associated with positive delayed scans.ConclusionsOur study highlights the impact of the timing of SPECT/CT in [99mTc]Tc-MIBI parathyroid scans. The different confidence levels between early and delayed scans, along with clinical factors, imply that various factors affect parathyroid scan interpretation, and individualized scanning protocols adjusted for specific settings may be needed to optimize the successful localization of hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue.

Comparing early and delayed [99mTc]Tc-MIBI SPECT/CT parathyroid scans: agreement, confidence levels, and clinical predictive factors

BackgroundParathyroid scan is an important imaging modality for localizing hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue in patients with hyperparathyroidism. Unfortunately, whether early or delayed timing is the optimal protocol for [99mTc]Tc-MIBI SPECT/CT parathyroid remains under debate. This study aimed to evaluate the agreement and compare the confidence levels of physicians when interpreting early and delayed [99mTc]Tc-MIBI SPECT/CT parathyroid scans. Additionally, it sought to identify clinical factors that related to positive scan result. We conducted a prospective study where the early and delayed [99mTc]Tc-MIBI SPECT/CT was separately interpreted as either positive or negative. Furthermore, these interpretations were categorized based on whether they fell within more or less confidence levels of the readers and were correlated with clinical information.ResultsWe enrolled 39 patients with hyperparathyroidism with 158 possible locations of parathyroid glands. The per-location agreement between the early and delayed scans was moderate (concordant rate: 80.3%, Kappa = 0.558), and the per-patient agreement was slight (concordant rate: 71.8%, Kappa = 0.093). The confidence of interpretation was significantly higher for the delayed scans. Calcium supplementation, low serum parathyroid hormone levels, and low serum phosphate levels were associated with positive early scans. High calcium level and high parathyroid hormone levels were associated with positive delayed scans.ConclusionsOur study highlights the impact of the timing of SPECT/CT in [99mTc]Tc-MIBI parathyroid scans. The different confidence levels between early and delayed scans, along with clinical factors, imply that various factors affect parathyroid scan interpretation, and individualized scanning protocols adjusted for specific settings may be needed to optimize the successful localization of hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue.

#2560 Intradialytic serum phosphate variations are associated with low PTH levels

Abstract Background and Aims Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is one of the most common complications in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The prevalence of SHPT progressively increases with the severity of CKD, affecting approximately 50-70% of patients on hemodialysis (HD). SHPT significantly impacts morbidity, mortality, hospitalization risks, healthcare costs, and the quality of life of CKD patients, making its management of paramount importance in this population. A positive serum phosphorus (P) balance is one of the critical determinants of SHPT, and the management of P levels in HD patients revolves around nutritional therapy, medications, and optimal kidney replacement therapy (KRT). Numerous studies have explored the role of KRT in P control among prevalent HD patients. However, whether the reduction of P achieved during KRT affects parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels is still a matter of debate. Currently, a direct evaluation of the relationship between intra-HD P reduction and PTH levels is lacking. Method We conducted a retrospective observational study on the prevalent HD population at the Division of Nephrology, University Hospital of Verona, from January to December 2022. We Included clinically stable adult patients undergoing HD for over 6 months, with multiple recorded visits during the follow-up. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and medication data were collected. Time-varying variables were updated at each study visit. Food intake was assessed through a 3-day food record (HD day, non-HD day, and weekend day). Patients were instructed to maintain their usual ideally low-phosphate diet and to meticulously record and weigh all foods and preparations consumed. This assessment was conducted every 4 months during the observation period. From the 3-day food records, the dietary phosphorus intake was calculated using a national database and reported as mg of P per day. A dietitian evaluated dietary questionnaires. The primary outcome of interest was PTH levels. The absolute intra-HD change in P (intra-HD ∆P), defined as the difference between pre- and post-HD P levels, served as the main exposure. Multivariable adjusted linear mixed models were used to investigate the relationship between intra-HD ∆P and PTH levels. Potential confounders were included in the following three models of hierarchical adjustment: (i) Model 1, unadjusted; (ii) Model 2, adjusted for age and sex; (iii) Model 3, adjusted for all covariates in Model 2 plus URR, HD modality, active vitamin D, phosphate binders, calcimimetics, comorbidities. Since the relationship between intra-HD ∆P and PTH is influenced by the pre-HD P, all models were adjusted for pre-HD P. The association between PTH and intra-HD ∆P was also assessed in a subgroup of patients who provided a valid dietary diary. A multivariable linear mixed model adjusted for all covariates in Model 3 plus dietary phosphorus intake was used to assess this association. Results A total of 211 patients contributed to 904 study visits. A significant and positive relationship was observed between intra-HD ∆P and pre-HD P (β = 0.76, 95% CI 0.75, 0.78, p < 0.001) and urea reduction ratio (β = 0.38, 95% CI 0.35, 0.41; p < 0.001) (Figure). An increase in intra-HD ∆P was significantly and independently associated with low PTH levels (β = −0.17, 95% CI −0.30, −0.03; p = 0.016; Table). Overall, 86 out of 211 patients provided valid dietary data. The relationship between intra-HD ∆P and PTH levels was confirmed after additional adjustment for dietary P intake (p = 0.041). Conclusion The extent of intra-HD P reduction significantly correlates with low PTH levels. Strategies focused on optimizing or enhancing depurative efficiency in KRT can exert a substantial impact on managing positive phosphorus balance and secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). The assessment of intra-HD P reduction may play a pivotal role in the management and follow-up of SHPT in HD patients.

Evaluation of Hypocalcemia Following Total Laryngectomy With and Without Thyroidectomy.

Hypoparathyroidism and associated hypocalcemia are well-established complications following laryngectomy. This study further characterizes the rates of hypocalcemia in patients undergoing total laryngectomy (TL) with and without thyroidectomy and hemithyroidectomy. Retrospective cohort study. TriNetX. We queried TriNetX, a deidentified patient database, to identify patients who underwent TL with and without thyroidectomy and hemithyroidectomy. Rates of hypocalcemia, low parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, and calcitriol supplementation were compared between groups with multivariable repeated measures logistic regression. We identified 870 patients in the TL without thyroidectomy cohort, 158 patients in the hemithyroidectomy cohort, and 123 in the total thyroidectomy cohort. Rates of hypocalcemia differed between patients receiving total thyroidectomy versus TL alone for 0 to 1 month (odds ratio [OR]: 2.88 [1.95-4.26]) 1 to 6 months (OR: 5.08 [2.29-11.3]), and 6 to 12 months (OR: 2.63 [1.003-6.88]) postoperatively, with adjustment for age at laryngectomy, race, ethnicity, and gender. Results were similar among those who received calcium supplementation. The rate of low PTH levels differed in these groups for 0 to 1 month (OR: 5.13 [3.10-8.51]), 1 to 6 months (OR: 3.47 [1.46-8.22]), and 6 to 12 months (OR: 3.63 [1.40-9.38]) following surgery. Rates of postoperative calcium supplementation were increased for patients receiving total thyroidectomy versus TL for 1 to 6 months (OR: 2.44 [1.62-3.68]), and 6 to 12 months following surgery (OR: 1.79 [1.18-2.72]). Patients undergoing TL with total thyroidectomy have a higher risk of postoperative hypocalcemia compared to patients receiving TL alone. Risk of parathyroid injury in these patients may warrant further emphasis on PTH measurement after surgery and a multidisciplinary approach to management.

New insights into renal calcium-sensing receptor activation.

Activation of the calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) in the parathyroid gland suppresses the release of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Furthermore, activation of the renal CASR directly increases the urinary excretion of calcium, by inhibiting transepithelial calcium transport in the nephron. Gain-of-function mutations in the CASR gene lead to autosomal dominant hypocalcemia 1 (ADH1), with inappropriately low PTH levels and hypocalcemia, indicative of excessive activation of the parathyroid CASR. However, hypercalciuria is not always observed. The reason why the manifestation of hypercalciuria is not uniform among ADH1 patients is not well understood. Direct activation of the CASR in the kidney has been cumbersome to study, and an indirect measure to effectively estimate the degree of CASR activation following chronic hypercalcemia or genetic gain-of-function CASR activation has been lacking. Studies have shown that expression of the pore-blocking claudin-14 is strongly stimulated by the CASR in a dose-dependent manner. This stimulatory effect is abolished after renal Casr ablation in hypercalcemic mice, suggesting that claudin-14 abundance may gauge renal CASR activation. Using this marker has led to unexpected discoveries regarding renal CASR activation. These new studies have informed on renal CASR activation thresholds and the downstream CASR-regulated calcium transport mechanisms.

Intraoperative parathyroid hormone measurement pitfalls: parathyroid hormone spikes with carboxyl-terminal parathyroid hormone fragments in primary hyperparathyroidism—a case report

BackgroundIntraoperative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) monitoring is a critical surgical adjunct for determining the extent of surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), with reported false-positive and false-negative rates of up to 10%. Surgeons must understand the parathyroid hormone (PTH) dynamics and select the appropriate IOPTH protocol and interpretation criteria for curative surgery.Case presentationWe present the case of a 64-year-old woman with a large cystic parathyroid tumor and PHPT who experienced a significant delay in IOPTH decrease but was cured without additional surgery. The patient’s basal intact PTH was 96.2 pg/mL, which decreased to 93.3 pg/mL at 25 min and 72.4 pg/mL at 55 min after removal of the parathyroid tumor. In an attempt to elucidate its pathophysiology, 1–84 PTH levels were measured in stored serum. These results can also be attributed to the relatively low basal PTH levels, intact PTH spike, and high ratio of large carboxyl-terminal PTH fragments present. The patient had normal intact PTH and calcium levels at the 9-month postoperative visit.ConclusionsAs detailed reports on these phenomena are scarce, we discuss the causes of false-negative IOPTH results in terms of PTH production, secretion, metabolism, and differences in measurement methods to avoid unnecessary surgery.

Hypoparathyroidism: changes in brain structure, cognitive impairment, and reduced quality of life.

Hypoparathyroidism (HypoPT) is a disease with no/or inadequate production/secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) from the parathyroid glands. Low levels of PTH result in hypocalcemia, which is often treated with calcium supplementation and active vitamin-D analogs. However, increasing evidence suggests that HypoPT has a profound impact on several organ systems. Quality of life (QOL) is reduced in patients with HypoPT, partly due to symptoms related to the central nervous system-including subjective feelings of confusion, a reduced ability to focus and think clearly(i.e., "brain fog"). However, the extent to which these complex symptoms relate to quantifiable changes in patients' cognitive performance as determined by neuropsychological tests remains unclear. The brains of HypoPT patients may reveal tissue calcifications, but the extent to which long-term brain exposure to low PTH levels and/or changing calcium levels affects brain structure is unknown. In a cross-sectional study, we investigated PTH levels, QOL, cognitive impairment, and brain structure in well-treated post-surgical and non-surgical hypoparathyroid patients compared with healthy controls. QOL was quantified by the SF36v2, WHO-5 wellbeing Index, and two disease-specific questionnaires-the HPQ28 and Hypoparathyroidism Symptom Diary. Cognitive functions were tested using comprehensive neuropsychological. Brain structure was quantified by morphological analyses of MRI images. We found reduced QOL and cognitive functioning in terms of processing speed, executive functions, visual memory, and auditory memory in HypoPT. Furthermore, HypoPT revealed a reduced volume of the hippocampus-and the size of the thalamus in postsurgical patients was associated with the disease duration. Importantly, patients reporting severe brain fog had a smaller hippocampus than those with less brainfog. HypoPT is associated with quantifiable cognitive deficits and changes in brain structure that align with patient symptoms. Our exploratory study warrants further studies of the neurobiological impact of PTH and of the impact of PTH replacements therapy on patients' cognitive functioning.

Parathyroid Hormone is Negatively Correlated with Glycated Hemoglobin in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetic Patients.

The growing evidence shows that parathyroid hormone (PTH) may affect glucose metabolism. However, the relationship between them is still controversial among diabetic patients. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between PTH and glucose metabolism in the patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2D). A total of 532 participants, including 387 patients with newly diagnosed T2D and 145 healthy controls, were recruited in the present study. PTH and metabolic parameters were measured in all participants. The PTH levels were significantly lower in the newly diagnosed T2D patients compared with the control group (35.10 (25.90, 47.20) vs. 47.15 (35.83, 58.65) pg/ml, P < 0.001). The T2D patients with a higher glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) tertile had lower PTH levels than the patients with a lower HbA1c tertile (32.90 (24.85, 41.40) vs. 37.50 (26.10, 54.55) pg/ml, P < 0.001). Spearman correlation analysis showed that PTH was positively correlated with the body mass index (BMI), fasting insulin (FINS), homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function (HOMA-β), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and negatively correlated with HbA1c, blood calcium (Ca), blood phosphorus (P), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OH-D3). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that PTH was significantly associated with HbA1c (β = -1.475, P=0.003) and HOMA-β (β = 0.090, P=0.001) after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, season, 25-OH-D3, Ca, and P. PTH was negatively correlated with HbA1c in the newly diagnosed T2D patients. Our results suggested that the PTH level within the reference range is related to islet β-cell function and hyperglycemia.

Capsiate ameliorates secondary hyperparathyroidism by improving insulin sensitivity and inhibiting angiogenesis.

Secondary hyperparathyroidism has a significant impact on the overall well-being of the body. Capsiates, known for their antioxidant and metabolic properties, have emerged as a promising alternative treatment for secondary hyperparathyroidism. This study aims to evaluate the effects and mechanisms of capsiates in the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism. To achieve our research objectives, we conducted a study on patients' serum and examined changes in metabolic markers using serum metabolomics. We induced secondary hyperparathyroidism in rat through dietary intervention and divided them into four groups. The first group, referred to as the Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) group, received a low-calcium and high-phosphate diet (0.2% calcium, 1.2% phosphorus). The second group served as the control group, receiving a standard phosphate and calcium diet (0.6% calcium, 0.6% phosphorus). The third group, called the capsiates group, consisted of rat from the control group treated with capsiates (intraperitoneal injection of 2 mg/kg capsiates for 2 weeks after 2 weeks of dietary intervention). The fourth group was the capsiates-treated PTH group. Subsequently, we conducted ribose nucleic acid (RNA) sequencing on parathyroid gland cells and evaluated serum thyroxine levels, oxidative stress, expression of proteins associated with vascular neogenesis, measurement of SOD, GSH and 3-nitrotyrosine, micro-CT and histological staining. The serum metabolomic data revealed a significant decrease in capsiate levels in the secondary hyperparathyroidism group. Administration of capsiates to PTH rat resulted in increased calcium levels compared to the PTH group. Additionally, the PTH + Capsiates group showed significantly lower levels of PTH and phosphate compared to the PTH group. The PTH group exhibited a notable increase in the quantity and size of mitochondria compared to the control group. Following capsiates administration to the PTH group, there was a significant reduction in the number of mitochondria and length of microvilli, but an increase in the size of mitochondria compared to the PTH group. Sequencing analysis revealed that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 1 (VEGFR1) play crucial roles in this process. Vascular-related variables and downstream signalling were significantly elevated in hyperthyroidism and were alleviated with capsaicin treatment. Finally, combining capsiates with the PTH group improved bone mineral density, Tb.N, BV.TV, Cs.Th, Tt.Ar, OPG, Ob.TV and Oc.TV, as well as the mineral apposition rate, but significantly decreased Tb.Sp and Receptor Activator for Nuclear Factor-κ B Ligand (RANKL) compared to the PTH group. The findings suggest that capsiates can improve secondary hyperparathyroidism and ameliorated osteoporosis outcomes by inhibiting angiogenesis and reducing oxidative stress.

Biochemical characteristics and clinical manifestation of normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism.

Normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism (nPHPT) is a condition characterized by persistently high levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and normal serum calcium levels in the absence of other causes for secondary hyperparathyroidism. The aim of the present study was to assess the clinical presentation and the biochemical characteristics in patients with nPHPT and to compare them with those in patients with hypercalcemic PHPT (hPHPT). The study included 316 patients (277 women and 39 men, average age 58.7 ± 12.1) diagnosed with PHPT. Total serum calcium, inorganic phosphates (PO4), PTH, urinary Ca (uCa), albumin, creatinine, 25(OH)D and bone markers (b-CTX and ALP) were examined in all of them. BMD of the lumbar spine (LS), distal third of the radius (DR), femoral neck (FN) and total proximal femur (TF) were measured by a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The patients were divided into two groups according to albumin-corrected calcium (Ca) level - with hPHPT (Ca>2.62 mmol/L) and with nPHPT (Ca 2.12-2.62 mmol/l), without other causes for secondary hyperparathyroidism. The frequency of nPHPT was 15.2%. Normocalcemic patients had lower levels of PTH, higher PO4 and 25(OH)D, and smaller parathyroid adenomas. No significant difference in the frequency of osteoporosis, low-energy fractures, nephrolithiasis and gastrointestinal disorders was found between nPHPT and hPHPT. There was no difference in BMD between the two groups. The patients with nPHPT show a more favorable biochemical profile compared to those with hPHPT. Nevertheless, clinical manifestations and complications are similar, without a significant difference in the frequency of osteoporosis, nephrolithiasis, gastrointestinal disorders and low-energy fractures.

Abnormalities of serum magnesium levels in dialysis patients undergoing parathyroidectomy.

In primary hyperparathyroidism, postoperative hypocalcemia can be exacerbated by magnesium deficiency. However, the significance of magnesium homeostasis in surgery for secondary hyperparathyroidism is unknown. In this study, 268 consecutive adult patients on renal replacement therapy who underwent parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism were included for analysis. We found that about one fifth presented with hypomagnesemia (5.6%) or hypermagnesemia (14.6%). Hypomagnesemia was associated with lower calcium levels and longer postoperative hospital stays. Hypermagnesemia was associated with higher calcium-phosphorus products and lower parathyroid hormone levels. In multivariate analysis, patient age, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin were independent predictors of prolonged stay after parathyroidectomy. There was a positive correlation between serum magnesium levels and severity of itching in these patients. Calcium-phosphorus products and serum magnesium levels were independently associated with pruritus. In conclusion, magnesium abnormalities play a minor role in hungry bone syndrome after parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism. Patients with higher serum magnesium levels had greater severity of pruritus.

The association of milk and multiple food avoidance with growth parameters in infants and children

BackgroundRecent studies reported that strict avoidance of milk products in cow's milk allergy (CMA) affects growth and bone turnover, causing negative calcium balance and changes in bone metabolism. ObjectiveTo investigate biochemical parameters to predict bone turnover and its relations with height and weight measurements and nutritional intake. MethodsHeight, weight, and body mass index z scores were plotted for age according to the World Health Organization. A 3-consecutive day food record was analyzed for nutritional values of foods. The blood levels of calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, vitamin D, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were determined. ResultsThe study included 69 controls, 66 children with isolated CMA, and 59 children with multiple food allergy (FA). The z scores for weight, height, and body mass index were lower in isolated CMA and multiple FA groups than controls (P < .001, P = .004, and P = .002, respectively). The nutritional intakes of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins B2 and B12, niacin, calcium, and phosphorus were significantly lower in isolated CMA and multiple FA than controls. In infants (≤2 years of age), although blood calcium level was in normal range, it was significantly lower in isolated CMA and multiple FA than in controls (P < .001). In children older than 2 years, PTH level was significantly higher in isolated CMA and multiple FA groups than in controls (P = .003). ConclusionOur study revealed that children with isolated CMA and multiple FA had a high nutrition gap, growth deceleration, and unbalanced bone metabolism, as illustrated by low blood calcium and elevated PTH levels.

Secondary Fahr’s syndrome mimicking meningoencephalitis

Introduction and aim. Fahr’s disease is a rare neurological disorder characterized by bilateral basal ganglia calcifications. The aim of this report is to highlight a case of Fahr’s disease with atypical features such as neck rigidity and peripheral nerve involvement. Description of the case. Here, we present the case of a South Asian patient with secondary Fahr’s disease whose clinical presentation mimicked that of meningoencephalitis. The patient had neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms along with abnormal body movements. She also had restricted neck mobility. Computed tomography of the head revealed bilateral dense calcifications in the basal ganglia suggestive of Fahr’s syndrome. Investigations revealed severe hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and low parathyroid hormone levels, which led to the identification of hypoparathyroidism as the underlying cause. The presence of pre-existing epilepsy and neck rigidity made the diagnosis difficult. The relatively rapid development of symptoms along with the presence of peripheral nerve involvement made this case even more unique. Calcium levels were corrected, and there was a marked symptomatic improvement. Conclusion. Neck rigidity and restricted neck mobility may be present in cases of Fahr’s syndrome due to calcifications of the nuchal ligament or other spinal ligaments and thus must be differentiated from meningoencephalitis. Although the symptoms of Fahr’s syndrome are generally limited to the central nervous system, there may be involvement of the peripheral nerves as well.

BIOLOGICAL MARKERS OF FALLS IN OLDER ADULTS WITH MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT

Abstract Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) nearly doubles the risk of falls in older adults. While the association between cognition and falls risk is relatively well understood, no study has explored how biological markers of organic integrity contribute to falls risk in MCI. This study aimed to identify biological markers that could be associated with an increased rate of incidental falls in MCI. A total of 142 participants with MCI (aged 74.3 ± 6.1 years;75% women) with blood tests performed at baseline in Gait and Brain Cohort Study were analyzed. Participants were followed up to 7 years (mean of 28 ± 22.1 months), and falls were reported during the follow-up period(70% fell). Eighteen biological markers extracted from blood serum were dichotomized into low and moderate-to-high levels based on tertile cut-offs. Negative binomial regression model was used to estimate the incident rate ratio (IRR) of falls for biological markers, adjusted for age, sex, global cognition, gait speed, total follow-up duration, and history of falls in the past 12 months at baseline. Results showed that low Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) level (IRR=1.73; 95%CI=1.07, 2.79; p=0.02) and moderate-to-high Interleukine-8 (IL-8) level (IRR= 1.81; 95%CI 1.05-3.14; p=0.03) were associated with an increased rate of falls during the follow-up. Moderate-to-high IL-8 level was also associated with an increased rate of falls with injuries (IRR=2.07; 95%CI=1.05, 4.08; p=0.03). This suggests that in addition to cognitive deficits, impaired calcium metabolism caused by low PTH level and inflammatory processes affecting internal organs may increase falls risk in older adults with MCI.

Serum magnesium level and cardiac valve calcification in hemodialysis patients

IntroductionCardiac valve calcification is closely related to cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the magnesium level and cardiac valve calcification in hemodialysis patients.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in 105 maintenance hemodialysis patients with complete follow-up data from June 2020 to May 2021 in Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University. Baseline data, including sex, age, primary disease, liver and kidney function, electrolytes and parathyroid hormone, were recorded. According to their echocardiograms, patients were divided into a cardiac valve calcification group and a noncardiac valve calcification group, and the correlations between valve calcification and clinical data were analyzed.ResultsOf 105 patients under hemodialysis, 60 (56.6%) were male, with an average age of 62.1 ± 13.5 years and a mean dialysis duration of 58.8 ± 45.4 months. The majority of primary renal diseases were diabetic nephropathy (55, 51.9%). Approximately 64.8% of the 105 maintenance hemodialysis patients had cardiac valve calcification, and 35.2% were in the noncardiac valve calcification group. The independent t test and the chi-square test analysis showed that the cardiac valve calcification group had older age, higher smoking rate, diabetes mellitus, lower extremity arterial occlusion, coronary heart disease, and coronary artery calcification ratio but lower parathyroid hormone, serum calcium, serum magnesium, albumin, prealbumin, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that age, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery calcification, lower serum magnesium, lower serum calcium, and lower parathyroid hormone levels were associated with valve calcification.ConclusionThe presence of cardiac valve calcification was associated with age, calcium, phosphorus and lower magnesium level. These factors we should pay more attention in clinical practice.

Low serum iPTH at the end of surgery is the earliest predictor of postoperative hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy

BackgroundThe most frequent complication of total thyroidectomy remains hypocalcemia due to low postoperative levels of serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH). The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of decreased iPTH at the end of surgery in predicting hypocalcemia. In addition, we examined the percentage decrease of iPTH as potential indicator of hypocalcemia.MethodsWe retrospectively collected the data of patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for benign and malignant diseases at our institution between 2010 and 2022. The iPTH level was measured before and at the end of surgery, and serum calcium levels on the first postoperative day. Demographic, clinical, and biochemical characteristics of patients with low iPTH were compared with patients with normal iPTH levels using ANOVA for continuous variables and χ2-tests for categorical variables. Multivariable logistic regression analysis evaluated the association of iPTH at the end of surgery and the relative reduction of iPTH with postoperative hypocalcemia.ResultsThe mean age of the 607 patients in this study was 55.6 years, and the female-to-male ratio was 5:1. Goiter was the most common indication for surgery (N = 382, 62.9%), followed by Graves’ disease (N = 135, 22.2%). The mean preoperative iPTH was 49.0 pg/ml, while the mean postoperative iPTH was 29.3 pg/ml. A total of 197 patients (32.5%) had an iPTH level below normal, 77 patients (39%), had iPTH levels of 10–15.0 pg/ml and 120 patients (61%) of < 10.0 pg/ml at the end of surgery. Among all patients, 124 (20.4%) developed hypocalcemia on the first postoperative day. The mean percentage of decrease of iPTH was highest among patients with iPTH < 10 pg/ml (76.9%, p < 0.01); this group of patients had also the highest rate of postoperative hypocalcemia on day one (45.0% vs. 26.0% vs 12.2%, p < 0.01).ConclusionsMeasurement of iPTH at the end of total thyroidectomy predicts patients who are at risk for postoperative hypocalcemia. The combination of low serum iPTH with a decrease in iPTH level of ≥ 50% may improve prediction of hypocalcemia compared to iPTH levels alone allowing for early calcium substitution in these patients at high risk of developing postoperative hypocalcemia.

Validating the risk of hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy in a population-based cohort: plea for improved follow-up.

A previous nationwide study from Sweden showed that the rate of permanent hypoparathyroidism is high and under-rated in the Swedish Quality Register. This retrospective population-based study aimed to validate the rate and diagnosis of permanent hypoparathyroidism found in the previous study. A secondary aim was to assess the relationship between the rate of low parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels within 24 h after surgery and the rate of permanent hypoparathyroidism. All patients who underwent total thyroidectomy from 2005 to 2015 in a region of Sweden were included. Data were retrieved from local health records, the National Patient Registry, the Swedish Prescribed Drug Registry, and the Swedish Quality Register. A strict definition of permanent hypoparathyroidism was used, including biochemical data and attempts to stop the treatment. A total of 1636 patients were included. Altogether, 143 patients (8.7 per cent) developed permanent hypoparathyroidism. Of these, 102 (6.2 per cent) had definitive permanent hypoparathyroidism, whereas 41 (2.5 per cent) had possible permanent hypoparathyroidism, because attempts to stop the treatment were lacking (28) or patients were lost to follow-up (13). The agreement between the Swedish Quality Register and the chart review was 29.3 per cent. A proportion of 23.2 per cent with a PTH level below the reference value corresponded to a 6.7 per cent rate of permanent hypoparathyroidism. The risk of permanent hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy is high. Some patients are overtreated because attempts to stop the treatment are lacking. Quality registers might underestimate the risk of permanent hypoparathyroidism. Approximately one-quarter of all patients with low PTH levels immediately after surgery developed permanent hypoparathyroidism.

Prevalence of pseudohypoparathyroidism and nonsurgical hypoparathyroidism in Japan in 2017: A nationwide survey.

Pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) and nonsurgical hypoparathyroidism (NS-HypoPT) are rare diseases with hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and high and low parathyroid hormone levels, respectively. In Japan, over 20 years have passed since the last survey on these diseases. We carried out a nationwide cross-sectional survey to estimate the prevalence of these diseases in 2018. We conducted a nationwide mail-based survey targeting hospitals in 2018. From a total of 13,156 departments throughout Japan, including internal medicine, pediatrics, neurology, and psychiatry, 3501 (27%) departments were selected using a stratified random sampling method. We asked each included department to report the number of patients with PHP and NS-HypoPT in 2017. The overall survey response rate was 52.0% (1807 departments). The estimated number of patients with PHP and NS-HypoPT was 1484 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1143-1825) and 2304 (95% CI, 1189-3419), respectively; the prevalence per 100,000 population was 1.2 and 1.8, respectively. In this study, we generated estimates of the national prevalence of PHP and NS-HypoPT in Japan during 2017, which were found to be higher than those previously reported.

Estimation of serum levels of Parathyroid hormone, Vitamin D, Calcium and Phosphorus to study their association with age, gender, disease duration, and severity of chronic plaque psoriasis: Results of a case control study

: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by rapid turnover of epidermal keratinocytes; presenting clinically as erythema, induration, and scaling Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is secreted by parathyroid glands and its elevated levels may be seen in psoriasis and several other disorders of keratinization. PTH/PTH-related peptide receptors are present in dermal fibroblasts &amp; regulate proliferation and maturation of fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Release of PTH is under the feedback regulation of serum Ca2+, Vit.D and PO: To assess the Parathyroid hormone levels in patients of Psoriasis along with Vitamin D, Serum Calcium and Serum Phosphorus levels.: Out of the 50 cases aged between 18 and 91 years majority of patients i.e 22 (44%) were in the age group of 18-40 years followed by 20 (40%) patients in 41-60 years age group. Eight (16%) patients were above &amp;#62;60 years. 32 (64%) patients who had psoriasis for less than ≤60 months while 18 (36%) patients had psoriasis for more than &amp;#62;60 months Serum PTH (normal 10–65pg/ml), Vitamin D(normal 20-50(ng/ml), calcium (normal 9-11mg/dl and phosphorus (normal 2.5-4.5mg/dl) levels were measured after overnight fasting. : A total of 50 psoriasis patients along with 50 non-psoriatic age and sex matched controls were recruited for the study. There were 28 males and 22 females in the patient group aged between 18 and 91 years (mean±SD 43.52±16.23 years). The mean age of controls was 47.12±16.29 years with 19(38%) subjects in 18-40 years age group and 21(42%) in 41-60 years age group. Amongst the cases, there were 10(20%) patients who had abnormal PTH levels (six had elevated levels of PTH and four patients with low PTH levels) while 40(80%) had normal levels (mean±SD 47.97±25.46 pg/ml). : The interpretation of our observation remains complex and any conclusion for the significance of these biochemical abnormalities remain conjectural. Moreover, association of psoriasis with abnormal biochemical parameters remains debatable in view of limited number of studies whether abnormal biochemical parameters can serve as markers of severity and their correction can lead to improvement in the disease needs confirmation with more well designed experimental and prospective clinical studies.