Hypercalcaemia and primary hyperparathyroidism

Hypercalcaemia is most commonly caused by primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) or malignancy. PHPT is common, affects women more than men, and is usually caused by a solitary parathyroid adenoma. The most common presentation is an asymptomatic incidental finding on blood tests performed for another indication. The only curative treatment is parathyroidectomy. In 2019, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines were published regarding the management of PHPT. These recommended a surgical referral for confirmed PHPT, particularly if patients display symptoms of hypercalcaemia or show end-organ disease, or if albumin-adjusted calcium concentrations are>2.85  mmol/litre.
Source: Medicine - Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Tags: Calcium and bone Source Type: research