Primary Hyperparathyroidism in Pakistan: Challenges and Future Recommendations
Zair Hassan¹, Usha Kumari², Iftikhar Ali Jan³, Fakhar Abbas⁴
Affiliation : ¹ Cardiology, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan, ² Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan, ³ Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan, ⁴ Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan
Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is found in one percent of the world’s population. It is considered an asymptomatic disease. Increased serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels are the characteristic laboratory findings in PHPT; however, they are not part of routine investigations in Pakistan’s healthcare system. As a result, correct diagnosis is delayed, and patients present only after significant symptoms are present. Serum calcium level should be routinely performed to make accurate and timely diagnosis of PHPT and checking serum PTH levels should also not be delayed. Hospitals, especially tertiary care, should be equipped with specialized tests such as ultrasound neck, Sistambi scan, and contrast-enhanced computerized tomography. Increased awareness should be created among orthopedic surgeons, urologists, nephrologists, rheumatologists, and general practitioners about the PHPT and other parathyroid disorders.
DOI: 10.35755/jmedassocthai.2022.06.13317
Keywords : Endocrinology disorders; Hypercalcemia; Parathyroid disorders; Parathyroid gland; Parathyroidectomy
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