Parathyroidectomy after renal transplantation: a retrospective analysis of long-term outcome.

BACKGROUND: Advanced hyperparathyroidism refractory to active vitamin D continues to be a problem and frequently forces the nephrologist to resort to parathyroidectomy. One particular aspect is persisting advanced hyperparathyroidism after renal transplantation. Published information on this point is fragmentary.
DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. PATIENTS: Between 1983 and 1995 a total of 456 patients with renal secondary hyperparathyroidism were subjected to parathyroidectomy (PTX) of whom 103 were transplanted or had at least a history of renal transplantation. The present analysis concerns 37 patients who had a functional renal graft at the time of PTX and were followed for up to 13 years. PTX was performed after an average of 36.7 months after renal transplantation. OUTCOME: Thirteen patients experienced rejection and became dialysis-dependent. Twenty-four patients had stable function of the renal graft. Seven patients died during follow-up. Hypoparathyroidism post-PTX developed in 4/37 patients, but could be overcome by replantation of cryoconserved parathyroid tissue. FREQUENCY ESTIMATE: A total of 2632 renal transplants were performed in the catchment area. As a minimum estimate 3.91% of patients with a functional graft required PTX. RECOMMENDATION: Parathyroidectomy should be considered early in cases with advanced secondary renal hyperparathyroidism, since renal transplantation does not necessarily guarantee reversibility of parathyroid overactivity.