[Surgical treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism: a systematic review of the literature]

Abstract

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) has a high prevalence in renal patients. Secondary HPT results from disturbances in mineral homeostasis, particularly calcium, which stimulates the parathyroid glands, increasing the secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Prolonged stimulation can lead to autonomy in parathyroid function. Initial treatment is clinical, but parathyroidectomy (PTx) may be required. PTx can be subtotal or total followed or not followed by parathyroid tissue autograft. We compared the indications and results of these strategies as shown in the literature through a systematic literature review on surgical treatment of secondary HPT presented in MedLine and LILACS from January 2008 to March 2014. The search terms were: hyperparathyroidism; secondary hyperparathyroidism; parathyroidectomy and parathyroid glands, restricted to research only in humans, articles available in electronic media, published in Portuguese, Spanish, English or French. We selected 49 articles. Subtotal and total PTx followed by parathyroid tissue autograft were the most used techniques, without consensus on the most effective surgical procedure, although there was a preference for the latter. The choice depends on surgeon's experience. There was consensus on the need to identify all parathyroid glands and cryopreservation of parathyroid tissue whenever possible to graft if hypoparathyroidism arise. Imaging studies may be useful, especially in recurrences. Alternative treatments of secondary HPT, both interventional and conservative, require further study.