Primary hyperparathyroidism in neonates and childhood

Objectives: Primary hyperparathyroidism (HP1) in childhood is thought to be extremely rare. Its exact incidence remains unknown, as do the characteristics of HP1. A retrospective study collection was conducted on cases supplied by members of the Working Group on Calcium Metabolism throughout France over a 20-year period (1984-2004), since the availability of the intact parathormone (iPTH) radioimmunoassay. Results: 55 cases were collected of which 11 were neonates. Among the 44 children and adolescents, there were 18 male and 26 female patients, ranging in age from 6 to 18 ( mean 13) years. 83% were symptomatic and 43% had nephrolithiasis. Symptoms were associated with high serum calcium and inappropriate iPTH levels. Ultrasonography and technetium-labelled methoxyisobutylisonitrile scintigraphy are useful tools for the preoperative localization of adenomas, particularly in adolescents. Intraoperative iPTH assays are effective in minimizing invasive parathyroidectomy. All patients, except neonates, underwent surgery: 29 adenomas and 11 hyperplasias were found. Two multiple endocrine neoplasias (MENs) were subsequently discovered. Since the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) mutation was reported, the form of management in neonates has become more medical ( intravenous diphosphonates) than surgical. On follow-up no recurrence was observed except for MEN. Conclusion: These national results reflect HP1 epidemiology. HP1 is a rare entity and appears to be a severe disease in terms of symptoms with regard to management. The use of molecular biology tests could be useful not only in neonatal cases ( CaSR mutation) but also prior to surgery in children ( MEN mutation). Copyright (c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.