Giorgio Ghilardi
Università degli Studi di Milano,
Clinica Chirurgica Generale – via A. Di Rudinì, 8 – Milano
Italy
Review Article
Hungry Bone Syndrome after Parathyroidectomy for Primary Hyperthyroidism
Author(s): Giorgio Ghilardi and Loredana De PasqualeGiorgio Ghilardi and Loredana De Pasquale
Parathyroidectomy is the treatment of choice in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). This disease affects calcium metabolism at the level of bone tissue and renal tubules, resulting in hypercalcaemia, often asymptomatic, associated with hypophosphataemia and hypomagnesaemia. Sudden suppression of parathyroid hormone (PTH), caused by successful parathyroidectomy, in patients with preoperative high levels of PTH and hypercalcaemia from enhanced bone turnover, may induce severe postoperative hypocalcaemia that may lead to symptoms of tetany. This relatively uncommon condition is known as “hungry bone syndrome” (HBS), because it is believed to be due mainly to enhanced bone formation. Several risk factors have been advocated for HBS, and the syndrome is reported to be more likely to rise in subjects with severe preoperative bone disease. Other modifiable risk fact.. View More»
