Quality of life in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism before and after parathyroidectomy: long term single center experience

Abstract

Abstract Purpose. Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a common endocrine disorder caused by a parathyroid tumor or hyperplasia, which is often accompanied with quality of life (QoL) impairment. A parathyroidectomy (PTХ) is the preferred standard treatment for PHPT patients. In this single center study we аimed to evaluate the impact of PHPT оn patient’s QoL and identify QoL changes at early and long-term follow-up after surgery. Methods. All the patients underwent routine PTХ with the removal of the suspected hyperparathyroid gland(s). Patients filled out generic QoL questionnaire RAND SF-36, specific questionnaire PHPQoL and specific symptom assessment questionnaire PAS upon admission to the hospital before surgery, at 3 months, 12 months and 24 months after surgery. Results. A total of 92 patients with PHPT (median age was 56 years, 95.7% females) were included in the study. Before PTХ patient’s QoL was significantly lower as compared to healthy controls (p < 0.01). Almost 40% of patients had poor or very poor QoL. After surgery there was significant improvement in QoL by all scales of SF-36 questionnaire, excluding bodily pain, and the PHPQoL total score (GEE, p < 0.01) as compared with their values before surgery. Decreased mental component of QoL by PHPQoL (OR = 0.927, 95%CI = 0.874–0.984, p = 0.013) predicted improved QoL after surgery. Conclusions. Patients with PHPT demonstrated significantly impaired QoL in physical, psychological and social functioning as well experienced a wide profile of common PHPT symptoms. Successful PTX was accompanied with remarkable QoL improvement and decrease in subjective symptoms for at least 24 months after surgery.