Age-associated features of main metabolic parameters in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown a high incidence of metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). PHPT is usually diagnosed in people of age over 50 years and therefore age-associated changes of metabolism should be excluded. Researching predictors of cardiovascular pathology contributes to choosing optimal approaches to personalized patient management.AIM: To determine the features of metabolic disorders in patients of various age groups with confirmed active stage of PHPT.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-center observational retrospective comparative study of patients with active PHPT at the age of 18-49 years (Group 1, n=66) and over 50 years (Group 2, n=290) was carried out. The exclusion criteria for both groups were: persistent PHPT or recurrence after surgical treatment of the disease in history; clinical/genetically confirmed multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome; for Group 1 — pregnancy, lactation. The assessment of laboratory parameters of mineral, carbohydrate, fat and purine metabolism obtained during a hospital examination was carried out, the frequencies of various metabolic disorders were determined and compared between age groups.RESULTS: There were no significant differences in parathyroid hormone and serum calcium levels between age groups, however, there were more severe hypercalciuria, a tendency to active bone metabolism and lower vitamin D level in Group 1. Patients of Group 2 had statistically significantly lower glomerular filtration rate and a higher frequency of bone complications. In the same group glycaemia and triglycerides levels were higher (the latter difference has the level of a statistical tendency). These patients also had a higher body mass index and, as a result, a higher incidence of obesity (37% vs 20%, p=0.006) and diabetes mellitus type 2 (12.5% vs 3%, p=0.013). At the same time, patients did not significantly differ in the rates of hypercholesterolemia (62% in Group 1 vs 70% in Group 2, p=0.228), hypertriglyceridemia (27% vs 32%, p=0.433) and hyperuricemia (42% vs 50%, p=0.302), significantly exceeding similar indicators in the general Russian population.CONCLUSION: Carbohydrate disorders are more often observed in patients older than 50 years, providing an increased prevalence of diabetes mellitus type 2 among patients with PHPT compared with the general population. The high incidence of various types of dyslipidemia and hyperuricemia in the primary parathyroid pathology has no age specific features. Thereby these disorders are significant risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, even in young people with PHPT.