Primary Hyperparathyroidism : Prevalence and Associated Morbidity in Middle-Aged Women and Elderly Men

Abstract: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a common endocrine disease, existing in both genders and in all age groups. Postmenopausal women are at particular risk of developing the disease and estrogen decline after menopause is suggested to affect the progress. Although PHPT is mild in its presentation with subtle or no subjective symptoms, it is associated with an increased risk of associated morbidity and also mortality i.e cardiovascular complications, psychiatric instability, concomitant metabolic abnormalities, obesity and decrease in bone mineral density. The current cure is surgical removal of the diseased gland/s, but other medical alternatives have been investigated. The disease is thoroughly explored in postmenopausal women but less is known about other populations groups. Since progression of the disease generally is slow, the underlying disturbance of the calcium homeostasis can be suspected to have been established a long time prior to diagnose with potential to affect associated morbidity. The general aim of this thesis is to clarify the expression of PHPT in premenopausal women and in elderly men and to explore how frequent the disease in these populations occurs. The women and men were investigated through population-based studies. Baseline data and prevalence of PHPT in premenopausal women age 40-50 years were studied (Paper I), the prevalence was 5.1% in this population and was associated with decreased bone mineral density and associated obesity. In a three years follow up of the female cohort, the effects of menopausal transition and associated morbidity was investigated (Paper II). The prevalence and expression of PHPT in men between 69 and 81 years and impact on bone mineral density, physical performance, fall and fracture prevalence was explored through data from Mr Os Sweden (Papers III and IV). In this population prevalence of PHPT was 0.73% and associated with lower bone mineral density and inferior physical performance.