Symptomatic Secondary Hyperparathyroidism Research Articles

Preoperative work-up and results of parathyroidectomy plus auto-transplantation for the elderly with secondary hyperparathyroidism

BackgroundTotal parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism has low morbidity and mortality rates and requires a special workup in the preoperative period. MethodsNeck echography and technetium-99m-sestamibi scintigraphy were performed preoperatively. Cardiac echography, a thallium-201 myocardial perfusion scan, and cardiac catheterization were performed if necessary. During surgery, we removed all the parathyroid glands and the upper thymus and autotransplanted 100 mg of the smallest gland into the subcutaneous tissue of the forearm. ResultsThe success rate in three months after total parathyroidectomy was 91.7% without mortality. In the elderly (age ≤65 years, n = 35), bone pain, skin itching, general weakness, and insomnia improved three months after surgery, and grip strength increased significantly. One year after parathyroidectomy, the serum levels of Ca, P, alkaline phosphatase, and intact parathyroid hormone were all within the normal ranges. Except for the bone mineral density (BMD) of the radial distal one-third, the BMD of the lumbar spine (L2 to L4), femoral neck, femoral global, and radial global increased significantly. Furthermore, the bone density T-scores of the lumbar spine (L2 to L4), femoral neck, femoral global, radial distal one-third, and radial global improved significantly. ConclusionsAfter a meticulous preoperative workup, parathyroidectomy plus autotransplantation can be performed safely for the treatment of symptomatic secondary hyperparathyroidism in the elderly to improve their quality of life and decrease their incidence of bone fractures.

Abstract #805994: Symptomatic Hypocalcemia and Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in 21 YO Southeastern African American Female at College in the Northeast

Abstract #805994: Symptomatic Hypocalcemia and Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in 21 YO Southeastern African American Female at College in the Northeast

US-guided microwave ablation for secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients after renal transplantation: a pilot study

Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) in the treatment of patients who develop secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) after renal transplantation (RT).Methods: In total, nine patients, each with symptomatic SHPT caused by RT and at least one enlarged parathyroid gland, underwent MWA via hydrodissection. Intact parathyroid hormone (i-PTH), serum calcium, serum phosphorus, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen concentrations, before and after MWA, were assessed and compared.Results: Complete ablation was achieved in all patients for a total of 14 ablated parathyroid glands. The mean follow-up time was 17.2 ± 1.7 months post-operation. The mean maximum diameter of the parathyroid glands was 1.3 ± 0.4 cm (range: 0.4–2.0 cm). The ablation power implemented was 30 W and the mean time for each parathyroid gland to achieve complete ablation was 287.5 ± 83.4 s. The mean i-PTH, serum calcium and phosphorus concentrations at one day post-MWA (69.6 pg/mL, 2.23 ± 0.29 mmol/L, 1.2 2 ± 0.48 mmol/L, respectively) were significantly lower than those before MWA (780.0 pg/mL, 2.62 ± 0.32 mmol/L, 1.39 ± 0.61 mmol/L, respectively; p < .01), whereas the creatinine and blood urea nitrogen concentrations before and after MWA did not differ significantly from each other (p > .05). No significant differences were found between the biomarker concentrations observed at one day post-MWA and at the follow-ups (p > .05). No major operation-related complications occurred.Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided MWA is a safe and effective technique for destroying parathyroid gland tissue in patients who develop SHPT after RT and its clinical effects are long-lasting.

Changes in serum FGF23 and Klotho levels and calcification scores of the abdominal aorta after parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Changes of calcification scores of the abdominal aorta (CSAA) after total parathyroidectomy plus autotransplantation (TPX+AT) for symptomatic secondary hyperparathyroidism (SSHP) have never been reported. Forty-nine patients who successfully underwent TPX+AT for SSHP were enrolled; 13 patients who had regular hemodialysis were enrolled as controls. Preoperatively, patients' age, gender, and duration of dialysis were recorded. Serum Ca, P, alkaline phosphatase (Alk-ptase), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), vitamin D, FGF23, and Klotho levels, and CSAA were measured. One year postoperatively, these data were measured again. In the control group, these data were recorded and measured before and one year later. Serum iPTH, Alk-ptase and FGF23 levels and CSAA of the study group were significantly higher than those of the control group. One year postoperatively, serum Ca, P, Alk-ptase, iPTH, and FGF23 levels and CSAA were significantly lower than those before surgery. Except for FGF23 levels, other items of the control group did not change significantly one year later, whereas the study group decreased CSAA more than the control group. One year postoperatively, CSAA decreased.

Hypoparathyroidism after Total Parathyroidectomy plus Subcutaneous Autotransplantation for Secondary Hyperparathyroidism—Any Side Effects?

This retrospective, case-control study was designed to find side effects of hypoparathyroidism after total parathyroidectomy plus autotransplantation. After successful total parathyroidectomy plus autotransplantation for symptomatic secondary hyperparathyroidism, 19 patients who had intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels <10 pg/ml during the follow-up period of 1 year and 38 patients, who had levels >10 pg/ml, were enrolled as the hypoparathyroid and nonhypoparathyroid groups. Data were collected on etiology, symptoms, serum levels of calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase (Alk-ptase), iPTH, and bone mineral density (BMD) at different sites. Then, 1 week, 3 months, and 1 year after surgery, serum levels of calcium, phosphate, Alk-ptase, and iPTH were measured again. Three months later, symptoms were recorded. One year after surgery, the BMD at different sites was measured again. Patients' daily requirements of calcium carbonate and vitamin D3 were recorded at the mean follow-up of 24 months. Calcium, phosphate, and iPTH levels decreased significantly 1 week, 3 months, and 1 year after surgery, and Alk-ptase levels increased at 1 week and then decreased significantly 3 months and 1 year after surgery. Symptoms improved significantly 3 months after surgery. The BMD of different sites increased significantly at 1 year. There were no differences between the two groups regarding changes of symptoms, BMD, and calcium, phosphate, and Alk-ptase levels. Hypoparathyroid patients required significantly more calcium carbonate and vitamin D3 than nonhypoparathyroid patients did (P = 0.002). Even though hypoparathyroid patients require more calcium carbonate and vitamin D3 than nonhypoparathyroid patients do, they do not have any side effects.

Total parathyroidectomy without autotransplantation for secondary hyperparathyroidism.

To treat secondary hyperparathyroidism with subtotal parathyroidectomy or total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation might cause the disease to recur because of growth of the parathyroid remnant or the autografts. The aim of the present study was to determinate an alternative surgical treatment for secondary hyperparathyroidism. Of 94 uremic patients, 44 (median age: 50.5 years; 33 women/11 men) were assigned to group A, patients who were not expected to receive kidney transplantation for various reasons and had total parathyroidectomy without autotransplantation; 50 (median age 46 years; 33 women/17 men) were assigned to group B, patients who had either total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation or subtotal total parathyroidectomy with preservation of parathyroid tissue in situ. Parameters measured included demographics, perioperative and follow-up biochemistry tests, operative time, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, patients' compliance with the postoperative calcium and 1,25 dihydroxy-viatmin D supplementation regimen, symptom relief, and presence of recurrence. Mean operative times were 103 and 122 min (P = 0.007); postoperative complication rates were 18.2% and 12.0% (P = 0.563); mean hospital stays were 6 and 9 days (P = 0.259); adequate patient compliance with the postoperative calcium and 1,25 dihydroxy-viatmin D regimens were 84.1% and 78.0%, respectively (P = 0.6); symptom relief rates were 88.6% and 80.0% (P = 0.277). Recurrence rates over 60 months in group A and group B were 4.5% and 18.0%, resectively (P = 0.028 by Kaplan-Meier analysis). Because of the lower recurrent rate and shorter operative time, total parathyroidectomy without autotransplantation may be an option for treating patients with symptomatic secondary hyperparathyroidism who are not expected to receive kidney transplantation.

Parathyroidectomy Followed by Kidney Transplantation Can Improve Bone Mineral Density in Patients With Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

We studied bone mineral density (BMD) after total parathyroidectomy plus autotransplantation (TPTD plus AT) followed by kidney transplantation in patients with symptomatic secondary hyperparathyroidism. We recruited 43 patients who were operated on with TPTD plus AT for this study. Group A (n=36) patients continued hemodialysis regularly thereafter; Group B (n=7) patients were followed by cadaveric kidney transplantation. In group A, serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase (Alk-ptase) and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels were measured at baseline, 1 week, and in the late follow-up period. In group B, serum calcium, phosphorus, Alk-ptase and iPTH levels were measured at baseline, 1 week after parathyroidectomy, and in the late follow-up period after kidney transplantation. The BMD of lumbar spine, femur, ulna and radius was measured with dual x-ray absorptiometry at baseline, and again at 1 year in group A and at 1 year after kidney transplantation in group B. At 1 week after TPTD plus AT, calcium, phosphorus, and iPTH levels decreased significantly but Alk-ptase did not. In the late follow up period calcium, phosphorus, Alk-ptase and iPTH levels decreased significantly compared with those at baseline. In group A, the BMD of lumbar spine, femur, ulna and radius increased significantly 1 year later. In group B, the BMD of femur, ulna and radius increased significantly 1 year after kidney transplantation, but the BMD of lumbar spine did not. TPTD plus AT followed by kidney transplantation performed for symptomatic secondary hyperparathyroidism can improve the BMD of femur, ulna, and radius.

Cognitive changes after parathyroidectomy in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism

Cognitive impairment was frequently reported in uremic patients with dialysis, but improvements of cognition after parathyroidectomy for symptomatic secondary hyperparathyroidism have never been reported before. Thirty-nine patients, who were successfully operated on with total parathyroidectomy plus autotransplantation were enrolled. Twenty-three dialysis patients, age >50 years, who had a serum level of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) greater than 650 pg/ml, and who did not undergo parathyroidectomy were selected as the control group. The mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and the clinical dementia rating (CDR) test were administered to all patients. Before the operation, educational level, symptoms of bone pain, skin itching, general weakness and insomnia were recorded and serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase (Alk-ptase), iPTH, aluminum, and hemoglobin were measured in the study and control groups. At 12-week postoperatively, serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, Alk-ptase, iPTH, and aluminum were measured again and at 16-week postoperatively, the MMSE and the CDR test were administered again. In the control group, both MMSE and CDR test were administered again after the period or 16-week. Serum calcium level was only significant difference (p = 0.002), whereas clinical symptoms, gender, etiologies of secondary hyperparathyroidism, duration of dialysis, educational level, age, and serum levels of phosphorus, Alk-ptase, iPTH, aluminum, and hemoglobin were not significantly different between the two groups. The educational level was the only factor affecting MMSE scores (p = 0.003). In the study group, at 12-week postoperatively, symptoms improved significantly, serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, Alk-ptase, iPTH, and aluminum decreased significantly, and at 16-week postoperatively, MMSE scores increased from 25 +/- 5 (mean +/- SD) to 26 +/- 5 (p < 0.001) and CDR scales decreased significantly (p < 0.001). Neither MMSE scores nor CDR scales of the control group changed significantly after the 16-week period. Parathyroidectomy for symptomatic secondary hyperparathyroidism can improve cognition.

Treatment of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism With Ultrasonographically Guided Percutaneous Radiofrequency Thermoablation

We present a case of a 63-year-old woman with a recurrent secondary hyperparathyroidism hyperplasia with absolute contraindication for surgery, treated in 2 sessions with percutaneous ultrasonographically guided radiofrequency tissue ablation. The complete pathologic tissue ablation was confirmed by contrast-enhanced ultrasonography performed before and after the treatment and by clinical and laboratory follow-up. Furthermore in work progress, the percutaneous ultrasonographically guided radiofrequency tissue ablation can be considered a feasible and effective nonsurgical alternative treatment for symptomatic secondary hyperparathyroidism in high-risk patients.

Sleep disturbances before and after parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism

The prevalence of insomnia in patients with symptomatic secondary hyperparathyroidism and the improvements of sleep disturbances after parathyroidectomy have not been previously reported. Thirty-one patients who had undergone successful total parathyroidectomy and autotransplantation for symptomatic secondary hyperparathyroidism were enrolled in the study. The symptoms of skin itching, bone pain, and general weakness were recorded. Preoperatively, serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase (Alk-ptase), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), am melatonin (noon), and pm melatonin (midnight) were measured in association with a simple yes/no questionnaire of 5 items about sleep disturbances as described previously. The severity of insomnia was the sum of positive items of sleeping disturbances. The sleep hours per night and the habit of taking sleeping pills were also recorded. One week after surgery, serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, Alk-ptase, iPTH, am melatonin, and pm melatonin were measured again. Three months after surgery, symptoms of skin itching, bone pain, and general weakness were recorded, and serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, Alk-ptase and iPTH were measured in association with a yes/no questionnaire of sleep disturbances. The severity of insomnia, sleep hours per night, and the habit of taking sleeping pills were recorded again. One week after parathyroidectomy, serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, and iPTH decreased significantly; serum levels of Alk-ptase and am melatonin increased significantly; serum levels of pm melatonin did not change significantly. Three months after parathyroidectomy, symptoms of skin itching, bone pain, and general weakness decreased significantly; serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, Alk-ptase, and iPTH decreased significantly; sleeping disturbances and severity of insomnia improved significantly in association with longer sleep hours per night. A significant reduction of the habit of taking sleeping pills was also noted. Preoperatively, the severity of insomnia was correlated with skin itching, general weakness, and levels of iPTH. Postoperatively, the severity of insomnia was correlated with skin itching, general weakness, and bone pain. Preoperatively, a high prevalence of sleep disturbances (97%) was found in patients with symptomatic secondary hyperparathyroidism. We conclude that nocturnal melatonin levels do not change after parathyroidectomy; the improvements in sleep disturbance and the decreases in severity of insomnia are found 3 months after surgery in association with longer sleep hours per night. Decreases of symptoms such as skin itching, bone pain, and general weakness may be the reasons for the improvement in sleep and the decrease in insomnia.

Spermatogenesis after parathyroidectomy in patients with symptomatic secondary hyperparathyroidism.

The changes in spermatogenesis after parathyroidectomy in patients with symptomatic secondary hyperparathyroidism have not been reported before. Nineteen men with symptomatic secondary hyperparathyrodism were enrolled in our study. Their ages ranged from 29 to 50 years and duration of dialysis from 72 to 168 months. Before operation, serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, intact parathyroid hormone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and testosterone were checked routinely in association with semen analysis. Those data were checked again 3 months after successful operation. Finally, 15 patients had total parathyroidectomy with subcutaneous autotransplantation of 60 or 90 mg of tissue and complete postoperative data was available for 13 patients. The semen analysis included sperm density, volume of semen, motility index, percentage of active motility, and percentage of normal morphology. Ten patients had normal sperm density (> or =20 x 10(6)/mL), and nine patients had oligospermia (<20 x 10(6)/mL) (n = 4) or azoospermia (n = 5). The ages of patients, duration of dialysis, and weight of removed parathyroid glands were quite similar between the two groups. The serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, intact parathyroid hormone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and testosterone were not significantly different between the group with normospermia and the group with oligospermia or azoospermia. Three months after total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation, the serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and intact parathyroid hormone were markedly decreased; the percentage of active motility and motility index were markedly improved; the serum levels of prolactin, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and testosterone had no significant changes; and the volume of semen, sperm density, and percentage of normal morphology had no significant improvements. One patient, who had oligospermia with primary infertility, had paternity 6 months after parathyroidectomy, though his oligospermia remained unchanged at that time. After parathyroidectomy, the sperm motility index and percentage of active motility can be improved. We speculate that increases in fertilization and paternity in uremic male patients can be expected after surgery.

Intraoperative parathyroid hormone measurement in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Secondary hyperparathyroidism decreases renal clearance of parathyroid hormone (PTH). To determine whether rapid PTH assays can be used to predict the success of a total parathyroidectomy to treat symptomatic secondary hyperparathyroidism. Case series from August 1 to December 31, 2000. Tertiary referral center. Patients with symptomatic secondary hyperparathyroidism (n = 24) who underwent total parathyroidectomy and autotransplantation were included in the study. Blood samples for rapid PTH analyses were drawn from an indwelling catheter at the induction of anesthesia (baseline) and before (0 minutes), 10 minutes, and 30 minutes after the removal of the last parathyroid gland. Regular intact PTH (iPTH) assays were conducted later. If a patient's regular iPTH levels were below 65 pg/mL at 1 week or 3 months postoperatively, the operation was considered successful. All 24 patients had successful operations. Rapid PTH and regular iPTH correlated significantly at 0, 10, and 30 minutes. Rapid PTH levels decreased significantly at each time period and were 176 +/- 40.9 pg/mL (mean +/- SE) at 10 minutes. The percentage decrease in rapid PTH levels was 39.5% +/- 12.7% at 0 minutes, 75.1% +/- 6.2% at 10 minutes, and 91.0% +/- 0.1% at 30 minutes (mean +/- SE). A decrease of 60% or more from baseline PTH levels at 10 minutes and/or a decrease of 85% or more at 30 minutes predicted the successful removal of all parathyroid glands. A drop in PTH levels is delayed until 30 minutes after total parathyroidectomy; however, a rapid PTH assay 10 minutes after the removal of the last parathyroid gland is as accurate as an assay performed at 30 minutes postoperatively. Intraoperative PTH monitoring demonstrates relevant decreases in rapid PTH levels after parathyroidectomy that are similar to those previously documented in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Improvement of sexual function in male patients after parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Clinically, the severity of uremia is known to be inversely proportional to sexual desire and activity in patients with chronic renal failure. We studied sexual function and sex hormones in male patients with symptomatic hyperparathyroidism before and 3 months after parathyroidectomy. From October 1998 to December 2000, 20 male patients with symptomatic secondary hyperparathyroidism were enrolled in this study. They underwent total parathyridectomy and autotransplantation of 90 mg of tissue to the subcutaneous tissue of the forearm or thigh. They all had regular sexual partners and were sexually active. Preoperatively, hemoglobin, hematocrit, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), prolactin, testosterone, leutenizing hormone (LH), and follicle stimulation hormone (FSH) were checked routinely. Three months after operation those data were checked again. Sexual function was evaluated with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Monthly frequency of attempted sexual intercourse, satisfaction of attempted intercourse, and enjoyment of intercourse were individually analyzed preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, testosterone, and LH were noted to have not significantly changed 3 months after surgery. Serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, FSH, and iPTH were significantly reduced, as were the levels of prolactin. But preoperative and postoperative FSH levels were within normal limits, and 70% of the postoperative alkaline phosphatase levels were above normal. Sexual function increased significantly 3 months after parathyroidectomy, as did monthly frequency of attempted intercourse, satisfaction of attempted intercourse, and enjoyment of intercourse. Sexual function of male patients with symptomatic hyperparathyroidism can possibly be improved by parathyroidectomy and autotransplantation. Decreases in the levels of prolactin, calcium, phosphorus, and iPTH are also noticed after parathyroidectomy.

Parathyroidectomy can improve bone mineral density in patients with symptomatic secondary hyperparathyroidism.

The recovery of osteoporosis or bone mineral density (BMD) after parathyroidectomy and autotransplantation can be improved in patients with symptomatic secondary hyperparathyroidism. Case series. Tertiary referral center. Forty-five patients with symptomatic secondary hyperparathyroidism who underwent total parathyroidectomy and autotransplantation were included. They were divided into an osteoporotic group (n = 20) and a nonosteoporotic group (n = 25) according to preoperative T scores less than -2.5 at either the lumbar spine (L1-L4) or the femoral neck (FN). Serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and intact parathyroid hormone were checked before surgery and 1 day, 1 week, and 3 months after surgery. The BMDs of the FN and L1-L4 were measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry before surgery and 6 months after surgery. Patients with osteoporosis were older (mean +/- SD, 50.2 +/- 14.0 years) than those without osteoporosis (42.7 +/- 9.1 years) (P =.04). Except for bone fractures found in 2 women in the osteoporotic group, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups in sex, clinical manifestations, duration of dialysis, weight of removed parathyroid tissue, and types of dialysis. Also, serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and intact parathyroid hormone were similar in both groups. Both 1 day and 1 week after total parathyroidectomy and autotransplantation, serum levels of calcium and intact parathyroid hormone decreased rapidly and then gradually increased 3 months later; however, serum levels of alkaline phosphatase increased rapidly and then gradually decreased 3 months later. Six months after parathyroidectomy, BMD, T score, and Z score at L1-L4 and the FN increased significantly (P<.001). The increment was much better in the osteoporotic group than in the nonosteoporotic group (P<.001). Also, osteopenia or osteoporosis improved significantly after parathyroidectomy at both L1-L4 and the FN (P<.001 for both). Parathyroidectomy and autotransplantation can improve BMD of symptomatic secondary hyperparathyroidism at L1-L4 and the FN.

Parathyroidectomy in chronic renal failure

A subset of patients who are being maintained on dialysis for end-stage renal disease develop severely symptomatic secondary hyperparathyroidism that cannot be controlled medically. The relative merits of two alternative surgical approaches--subtotal parathyroidectomy versus total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation--have not been clearly elucidated. The records of 77 patients who had renal failure and underwent parathyroid surgery between 1982 and 1993 were retrospectively reviewed. Fifty-three patients (69%) underwent subtotal parathyroidectomy and 24 (31%) underwent total resection with auto-transplantation into forearm musculature. The incidences of postoperative hypocalcemia and tetany were similar in both groups, as was the recurrence rate (7%) of clinically significant hyperparathyroidism. Subtotal parathyroidectomy can be performed without mortality or morbidity and provides good control of hyperparathyroidism secondary to chronic renal failure. Total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation offers no additional advantage in this difficult patient population. Most patients will require postoperative intravenous calcium replacement. We observed a significant incidence of continued hyperparathyroidism following successful renal transplantation.

Value of high resolution real-time ultrasonography in secondary hyperparathyroidism

Thirty-two patients were treated surgically for symptomatic secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism, and 27 of these patients had high resolution (10 mHz) real-time ultrasonography before parathyroidectomy. This preoperative localization study identified one or more enlarged hyperplastic parathyroid glands in all but one patient who had not had a previous parathyroid operation, and in five of six patients who did have previous parathyroid operations. In both of the patients in whom no parathyroid glands were identified by ultrasonography the only abnormal enlarged parathyroid glands were those situated within the superior mediastinum. When large glands are not observed by ultrasonography in patients with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism, the glands are usually situated in the superior mediastinum, behind the trachea or esophagus, or deeply within the neck. The size of the parathyroid glands correlated positively with the serum parathyroid hormone level and with the severity of the secondary hyperparathyroidism. Thus, the preoperative identification of parathyroid glands by ultrasonography not only localizes the site of most hyperplastic parathyroid glands (70 percent of patients), but also detects those patients who have enlarged parathyroid glands, elevated serum parathyroid hormone levels, and severe secondary hyperparathyroidism. These are the patients who are thus unlikely to respond to further medical therapy.

Total parathyroidectomy and autotransplantation in secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Sixteen patients with chronic renal failure and symptomatic secondary hyperparathyroidism underwent total parathyroidectomy. Sixteen to 25 fragments of parathyroid tissue measuring 1 cu mm were autotransplanted into the brachioradial muscle. Evidence of "take" of the autotransplant was present in all patients, although four patients still have hypocalcemia and require calcium and vitamin D supplementation. Three patients have experienced late diminution of autotransplant function. Symptomatic improvement occurred promptly in 15 of the 16 patients. Two patients with persistently elevated parathormone levels were treated by partial excision of the implant, and one patient whose autograft functioned inadequately was successfully treated by implantation of cryopreserved autologous parathyroid tissue. Total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation of parathyroid fragments to the forearm is the preferred surgical procedure for secondary hyperparathyroidism.