1
Title:
Identifying Parathyroid Hormone Disorders and Its Phenotypes through a Bone Health
Screening Panel: It’s Not Simple Vitamin D Deficiency!
Running Title:
Identifying PTH Disorders
Authors & Affiliations:
1. Hafsa Majid, MBBS, FCPS,
Section of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. Aga
Khan University, Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500. Karachi 74800, Pakistan. Telephone:
021-34861927. Email: hafsa.majid@aku.edu
2. Aysha Habib Khan*, MBBS, FCPS, FCPP, IFCAP
Section of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. Aga
Khan University, Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500. Karachi 74800, Pakistan. Telephone:
021-34861927. Fax: 92-2134934294
Email: aysha.habib@aku.edu
3. Maria Riaz, MBBS
Section of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. Aga
Khan University, Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500. Karachi 74800, Pakistan. Telephone:
021-34861927. Email: lia.riaz@gmail.com
4. Hussain Karimi, MBBS
Sindh Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi 74200, Pakistan.
Telephone: 021-39215754. Email: hussainkarimi4@gmail.com
5. Jamsheer Talati, MBBS, FRCS
Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500. Karachi
74800, Pakistan. Telephone: 021-34864521. Email: Jamsheer.talati@aku.edu
*Corresponding Author
2
Abstract:
Objectives:
To determine the utility of bone health screening panel in identifying disorders of
parathyroid gland secretions.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis of biochemical parameters in bone health screening panel (BHSP)
was conducted. The low and high cut offs were applied to determine hypo functioning and
hyper functioning conditions related to parathyroid hormone. Clinical phenotypes of
parathyroid gland abnormalities were made by using combination of levels of calcium,
vitamin D and iPTH. PTH nomogram defined by Harvey et al was applied to calculate max
expected PTH for existing level of 25OHD. Medical records of patients were reviewed for
clinical validation of biochemical findings.
Results:
Sixty eight percent subjects showed abnormal PTH secretion. Primary hyper and hypo
parathyroidism was detected in 1% (n=5) and 0.4% (n=2) respectively. Normocalcemic
hyperparathyroidism and hypercalcemia with inappropriately high normal PTH was
identified in 8.5% (n=37) and 2% (n=10) respectively. All subjects with primary and
normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism had higher measured PTH than calculated maxPTH
using PTH nomogram. Secondary hyperparathyroidism and functional hypoparathyroidism
was present in 18% (n=88) and 39% (n=194) subjects respectively. High prevalence of bone
pains, renal stones and low BMD were identified in patients with abnormal PTH secretion.
Conclusions:
Panel testing is useful in early diagnosis of metabolic bone disorders related to PTH. BHSP
helps identify normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism and hypercalcemia with inappropriately
high PTH.
Key Words & Abbreviation:
Vitamin D deficiency (VDD), Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP), Normocalcemic
hyperparathyroidism (NCHP), Secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT), Functional
hypoparathyroidism, Primary hypoparathyroidism.
3
BACKGROUND:
Parathyroid glands are instrumental in bone and mineral homeostasis. Disorders of secretion
are primary, in which parathyroid glandular activity is intrinsically abnormal (e.g. primary
hyperparathyroidism (PHP), hypoparathyroidism) and secondary, in which increased or
decreased parathyroid glandular activity is an adjustment to another pathophysiological
process (e.g. vitamin D deficiency (VDD), chronic renal failure (CRF)); or a physiologic
adjustment to another pathophysiological events that lead either to hypercalcemia or
hypocalcaemia.
Recently, newer phenotypes of PHP have evolved. This includes normocalcemic
hyperparathyroidism (NCHP); which is characterized by normal serum calcium and high
intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels in the absence of VDD and CRF. Another
phenotype is of inappropriately normal iPTH in the setting of hypercalcemia (hypercalcemia
with inappropriately normal iPTH). In addition, a significant proportion of subjects do not
demonstrate secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT) despite VDD; this has been labelled as
functional hypoparathyroidism.
Disorders of PTH secretion are an important cause of metabolic bone diseases (MBD), which
are frequent in general population (1-3) and contribute to morbidity and decrease quality of
life (4-7). Biochemical assessment of bone health is important for diagnosis. There is wide
variability in clinical presentation; and non-specific in symptoms are a diagnostic challenge.
Most subjects are identified only while investigated for another disorder.
Measurement of serum calcium, 25 hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) and plasma iPTH
concentrations, although readily available; when used individually are of limited value in
assessing MBD. Simultaneous testing with markers relevant to MBD improves diagnostic
yield as interpretation can be made together with clinical history and examination. They are
also economical both in terms of time and money for the patients and physician. Bone Health
Screening Panel (BHSP); variably utilizing combination of blood tests to screen, diagnose
and monitor MBD in clinical practice has been developed in laboratories. These panels
facilitate in answering the potential clinical questions that a physician seeks when
investigating MBD.
For this reason we introduced a biochemical testing panel (comprising of serum 25OHD,
calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, albumin and iPTH) to
screen for bone and mineral disorders at the Clinical Laboratories, Aga Khan University
Hospital in January 2011. So this audit was conducted to determine the utility of BHSP in
identifying disorders of parathyroid gland secretion. There are not many studies on
simultaneous testing with multiple biochemical tests for correctly assessing bone minerals
status, which can be missed on routine health screening.
4
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Data Collection:
A retrospective analysis was conducted at Section of Clinical Chemistry, Department of
Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University (AKU) for assessing the
diagnostic utility of BHSP. Laboratory data of patients tested for this panel from 1st
January
2011 till December 31st
2013 was retrieved from integrated laboratory management systems.
Processing and Analysis of Samples in Bone Health Screening Panel:
Venous blood samples were collected after overnight fast (10-12 hours) to standardize
sample collection and to avoid changes due to diurnal variation and diet.
About 10 ml of venous blood was collected into a gel top vacutainer and an EDTA tube.
Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, albumin were performed
on Advia 1800 Chemistry analyzer (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc. NY, US) and
plasma iPTH was performed on Immulite 2000 (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc. NY,
US). Serum 25OHD was determined by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay method on
Liaison auto analyzer (Diasorin the Diagnostic Specialist, Italy). Manufacturer provided
controls were run with each batch of all analytes for internal quality control. External
proficiency was assured by simultaneously analyzing samples from College of American
Pathologist (CAP, USA) three times a year. Serum corrected calcium was used instead of
serum total calcium if low albumin (<4mg/dl) was found. Corrected calcium was measured
using the formula [measured Ca + 0.08 × (4 - albumin)].
Data Analysis:
I. Grouping of Subjects into Hyper and Hypo-functioning States:
Subjects were grouped into hyper and hypo-functioning states based on the upper and
lower cut-offs of the analytes used in BHSP. The reference ranges used for all
analytes are shown in table 1.
II. Classification of Subjects into Groups of PTH Disorders:
Clinical phenotypes of PTH disorders were grouped based on upper and lower cutoff
of calcium and iPTH after excluding VDD (<20ng/ml) as follows:
1. Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) (calcium>10.2mg/dl, iPTH >87pg/ml,
25OHD >20ng/ml).
2. Hypercalcemia with inappropriately normal iPTH (calcium>10.2mg/dl,
25OHD>20ng/ml, iPTH >25pg/ml). Cutoff of >25pg/ml was used for iPTH
based on study of Lungren et al (5).
3. Normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism (NCHP) (calcium 8.6-10.2mg/dl, iPTH
>87pg/ml, 25OHD>20ng/ml).
5
4. Secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPTH) (25OHD <20ng/ml, calcium
<10.2mg/dl, iPTH>87pg/ml).
5. Functional hypoparathyroidism (25OHD <20ng/ml, calcium <10.2mg/dl,
iPTH 16-87pg/ml).
6. Primary hypoparathyroidism (calcium <8.6mg/dl, iPTH <16pg/ml).
III. Biochemical validation of Hyperparathyroidism by Application of PTH
Nomogram to Calculate maxPTH:
PTH nomogram developed by Harvey et al [120 - (6 × calcium) - (0.5 × 25OHD) +
(0.25 × age)] was used to calculate maxPTH, in subjects identified with NCHP and
hypercalcemia with inappropriately normal PTH (8). This equation calculates subject
specific expected PTH on the basis of his or her total calcium, 25OHD, and age
measured on the same day. The equation predicts a patient-specific upper limit of
normal PTH with 95% confidence interval.
IV. Clinical Validation of Phenotypes of Parathyroid Gland Disorders:
Medical records of subjects enrolled at AKUH for clinical consultation were
reviewed for clinical correlation and validation of biochemical findings by BHSP.
Ethical Consideration:
Study was done in accordance with Helsinki’s ethical code. To maintain confidentiality
coding was given to patients and their original identifications were removed. Exemption was
sought from Institution’s Ethical Review committee (ERC number: 2894-Pat-ERC-14)
Data Analysis:
The statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences
(SPSS) version 19. Frequency was generated for gender and means with standard deviation
(SD) for continuous variables. Analysis of variance was done and mean and SD of all
analytes for five clinical groups were generated.
6
RESULTS:
General Characteristics of the Study Subjects:
Five hundred and forty eight subjects were tested with BHSP from January 2011 till
December 2013 at the Section of Clinical Chemistry Pathology, Department of Pathology &
Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) in Karachi, Pakistan. Fourteen
subjects with incomplete information were excluded and analysis to determine biochemical
phenotype was performed on 534 subjects. Among them, clinical details of 111 subjects,
registered at AKUH were reviewed for clinical validation (figure 1).
Table 1 shows the mean biochemical parameters of 534 subjects grouped into hyper- and
hypo-functioning states on the basis of reference interval used by the laboratory. Sixty five
percent subjects were females with mean age of 44.5±17 years. Mean iPTH was high and
mean 25OHD was in insufficient range. High creatinine was found in 7% of subjects (n=37);
suggestive of renal pathology. Mean levels of other analytes were in normal range, however
subjects with low and high levels were identified for each of analyte.
VDD and insufficiency were the predominant abnormalities identified in 60% (n=318) and
20% (n=109) of the subjects respectively; with only 19.8% of the subjects having optimal
25OHD levels. One subject had 25OHD levels greater than 150ng/ml with normal iPTH,
calcium, alkaline phosphatase and phosphorus. Mean iPTH levels were suggestive of sHPTH
in VDD group only (mean iPTH 87 ± 127pg/ml) while mean iPTH in the insufficient
(65±36ng/ml) and sufficient group (74±51ng/ml) was within the reference interval. Mean
levels of calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase were within the reference interval
and were not reflective of VDD, insufficiency and sufficiency (data not shown).
Distribution of Subjects into Phenotypes of Parathyroid Hormone Dysfunction:
PTH disorders were classified on 497 subjects after excluding those with high creatinine.
Abnormalities of secretion were identified in 340 subjects. Figures 1 & 2 shows distribution
of subjects into various phenotypes of parathyroid hormone dysfunction based on calcium,
25OHD and iPTH cutoffs, defined in methodology section. Table 2 depicts the frequency
and mean blood levels in different phenotypes of parathyroid gland disorders from figure 1.
Among the twenty subjects with hypercalcemia (mean calcium 10.6±0.59mg/dl); 5 had high
iPTH levels suggestive of PHP, while 10 subjects had hypercalcemia with inappropriately
normal iPTH. Secondary hyperparathyroidism to VDD was present in 17.7% (n=88) while
39% (n=194) had functional hypoparathyroidism. Magnesium deficiency was not related to
functional hypoparathyroidism. Overall mean iPTH in VDD was high. Thirty seven subjects
were identified with NCHP and primary hypoparathyroidism was observed in 2 subjects
only.
7
Statistically significant differences were seen in calcium, phosphorous, 25OHD and iPTH
levels among the different phenotypes while significant difference was not found in alkaline
phosphatase and magnesium levels (table 2).
Identification of Primary Hyperparathyroidism using maxPTH Nomogram:
The maxPTH nomogram was applied in subjects grouped in PHP, NCHP and hypercalcemia
with inappropriately normal PTH to identify subject specific upper limit of PTH on the basis
of age, calcium and 25OHD, as shown in table 3. All subjects with PHP and NCHP had
higher PTH levels than calculated maxPTH. In subjects of hypercalcemia with
inappropriately normal PTH, 6 had PTH < maxPTH showing normal PTH response to
hypercalcemia and 2 had PTH = maxPTH, while in only 2 subjects PTH > maxPTH but the
mean difference in PTH and maxPTH was 16.75±4.75 only.
Clinical Validation of Biochemical Phenotypes Tested for BHSP:
Clinical charts of 111 subjects were reviewed. Bone pain and myalgias present in 66%
(n=73) of subjects; were the major indications for screening with BHSP. Thirty two per cent
(n=35) subjects did not show any abnormality in the biochemical parameters.
NCHP, PHP and hypercalcemia with inappropriately normal iPTH levels was identified in 7,
2 and 3 subjects respectively. Symptoms of generalized myalgia’s and bone pains were
predictive of underlying PHP/NCHP. Four subjects; one each in PHP and hypercalcemia
with inappropriately normal PTH and two in NCHP; were identified with parathyroid
adenoma, 3 on Sestamibi scan of parathyroid glands and 1 on ultrasound neck; distribution is
shown in table 3. Three subjects with NCHP reviewed, were diagnosed with osteopenia
based on low bone density on DXA scan. A subject each of NCHP and hypercalcemia with
inappropriately normal PTH had renal stones.
VDD with sHPTH and functional hypoparathyroidism were identified in 22 and 42 subjects,
respectively. More than half of these subjects (n=42) had pain either in joints or generalized,
6 subjects had fractures, 6 had osteoporosis and 6 subjects had osteopenia identified on DXA
scanning. Proximal myopathy was present in 7 subjects. History of having renal stone was
identified in one subject.
8
DISCUSSION:
Our data demonstrates that BHSP helps identify parathyroid gland dysfunction. Phenotypes
of PHP classified on biochemical cutoffs were validated by maxPTH nomogram and further
correlated with clinical presentation. According to guidelines by Endocrine Society on PHP;
repeat measurement of iPTH and calcium is required for confirmation of PHP (11). Since
ours was a retrospective analysis, we used a multidimensional nomogram to estimate
maxPTH for differentiating between normal and disease phenotypes. This approach
enhanced the diagnostic accuracy in subjects with atypical biochemical findings.
Awareness of biochemical phenotypes of PHP may facilitate earlier diagnosis. With
increased recognition of these phenotypes, we anticipate the prevalence of
hyperparathyroidism to increase beyond what is currently reported in literature in our
population, where every symptom of bone pain is currently linked to vitamin D deficiency.
This also has implication for management of VDD.
The most common MBD in our subjects is VDD either with sHPTH or functional
hypoparathyroidism. This pattern has been reported in previous studies from our Centre in
healthy volunteers and in community dwelling females (2, 3). Magnesium deficiency, which
is considered an important factor for functional hypoparathyroidism; did not relate with the
blunted response of parathyroid gland in VDD in subjects studied. As all the samples were
collected in fasting state therefore, circadian variation as a cause of blunted response of iPTH
was also ruled out (12).
NCHP is recognized as the next frequent PTH abnormality (8.5%) in this study. Subjects
grouped as NCHP, showed higher measured iPTH levels than calculated maxPTH using PTH
nomogram of Harvey et al (8) indicating altered secretion. High prevalence of bone pains,
myalgias, osteopenia, and osteoporosis were identified on chart reviews in NCHP.
Although NCHP has long been recognized as a phenotype of PHP; little is known about its
epidemiology or natural history. In 2013 NCHP was reported for the first time among
community-dwelling individuals by screening of unselected, non-referral populations from
subjects enrolled in Osteoporosis in Men & Dallas Heart Study (13). NCHP can be easily
missed if only serum calcium or PTH is performed or both are performed but on separate
occasions (12-15). Simultaneous screening with multiple biochemical markers including
creatinine and 25OHD is required to diagnose this condition (14).
Hypercalcemia with inappropriately normal iPTH was observed in 10 subjects. The
measured iPTH was lower than the calculated maxPTH in 8 subjects, indicating normal
response of PTH to hypercalcemia. Two patients had high measured iPTH and on chart
review; one of them was identified with parathyroid adenoma on Sestamibi scan and renal
stone. The literature on this manifestation of PHP is scant and consists of mainly case
9
reports. Patients were easily missed but with increasing awareness more patients are now
being diagnosed and referred for surgical evaluation (15). Recently a systematic analysis of
the largest cohort of hypercalcemia with inappropriately normal PTH has been published.
The term “Normohormonal primary hyperparathyroidism” has been used (NHPHP) for the
phenotype (16).
Lundgren et al revisited PHP in menopausal women with serum calcium in the upper normal
range (≥10.0 mg/dl or 2.5mmol/l) 8 years after (2002) population based screening in 1991-
1992 in Sweden. He identified 2.1% (109 out of total 5202) post-menopausal women with
hyperparathyroidism, and 66% of them exhibited normocalcemia (4). Reevaluation of 99
women with NCHP eight years after screening identified 48 women who developed PHP (5).
Based on this and similar findings, NCHP is considered as a subclinical condition, in which
PTH levels are elevated first but serum calcium remains normal; followed by the
development of frank hypercalcemia in some cases. Hence it is important to understand that
NCHP not an indolent condition.
Patient’s overall health should be critically reviewed for presence of consequences of PHP,
with follow-up and monitoring by biochemical testing at multiple time points. Malignancy
should be excluded as the cause of hypercalcemia. An ultrasound examination and a
Sestamibi scan should be performed. Positive localization provides more evidence in support
of the diagnosis. At the same time, patients should be extensively counseled regarding the
potential benefit of halting the progression of the disease with surgery, risks of surgery, and
the alternative of observation. The patient should also be counseled regarding the possibility
that the parathyroid glands may be found to be normal at surgery.
This BHSP can be performed for routine health screenings or as a preliminary screening tool
for identifying PTH related disorders for those at high risk of MBDs, such as elderly, post-
menopausal women, patients with CKD, thyroid disorders, thalassemia, multiple myeloma,
inflammatory bowels disease, rheumatological diseases, metastatic cancers, Paget’s diseases,
bone malignancies, rheumatoid arthritis and other connective tissue disorders. By collecting
samples for all analytes at the same time; changes due to pre-analytical variables are
eliminated. It can be helpful for at least yearly screening of high risk population for MBDs
(17-22).
CONCLUSION:
Parathyroid hormone related disorders are not rare and have potential impact on bone health.
Whilst s iPTH can identify abnormal levels, full characterization of the type of
hyperparathyroidism requires evaluation of the other parameters included in the BHSP.
BHSP provides early diagnosis and facilitates management of such diseases, especially in
when the world is facing epidemic of VDD. It is therefore desirable to popularize this Test
10
Panel’s use amongst physicians especially geriatricians, internists, endocrinologists,
orthopedic surgeons and rheumatologists, in parts of the world with extant VDD.
11
ABBREVIATIONS:
Metabolic bone diseases (MBD), vitamin D deficiency (VDD), secondary
hyperparathyroidism (sHPTH), Vitamin D (25OHD), plasma parathyroid hormone
(PTH),Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), bone health screening panel (BHSP) primary
hyperparathyroidism (PHP), normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism (NCHP), Statistical
Package of Social Sciences (SPSS), standard deviation (SD).
COMPETING INTERESTS:
All authors have no competing interests.
AUTHORS’ CONTRIBUTIONS:
HM: Design of study, acquisition of data, analysis and manuscript writing.
AHK: Conception and design of study, Review and revising manuscript critically for
intellectual content
MR: Conception and design of study, acquisition of data and manuscript review.
HK: Acquisition of data and manuscript review.
JT: Review and revising manuscript critically for intellectual content
All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
12
REFERENCES:
1. Fahim F. The magnitude of low bone mineral [corrected] density in middle and old
age women. J Pak Med Assoc. 2005 Nov;55(11):500-2.
2. Dar FJ, Iqbal R, Ghani F, Siddiqui I, Khan AH. Bone health status of premenopausal
healthy adult females in Pakistani females. Arch Osteoporos. 2012, Dec;7(1-2):93-9.
3. Khan AH, Iqbal R, Naureen G, Dar FJ, Ahmed FN. Prevalence of vitamin D
deficiency and its correlates: results of a community-based study conducted in Karachi,
Pakistan. Arch Osteoporos. 2012, Dec;7(1-2):275-82.
4. Lundgren E, Rastad J, Thrufjell E, Akerstrom G, Ljunghall S. Population-based
screening for primary hyperparathyroidism with serum calcium and parathyroid hormone
values in menopausal women. Surgery. 1997 Mar;121(3):287-94.
5. Lundgren E, Hagstrom EG, Lundin J, Winnerback K, Roos J, Ljunghall S, et al.
Primary hyperparathyroidism revisited in menopausal women with serum calcium in the
upper normal range at population-based screening 8 years ago. World J Surg. 2002
Aug;26(8):931-6.
6. Boonen S, Vanderschueren D, Pelemans W, Bouillon R. Primary
hyperparathyroidism: diagnosis and management in the older individual. Eur J Endocrinol.
2004 Sep;151(3):297-304.
7. Lindstedt G, Nystrom E, Lundberg PA, Johansson E, Eggertsen R. Screening of an
elderly population in primary care for primary hyperparathyroidism. Scand J Prim Health
Care. 1992 Sep;10(3):192-7.
8. Harvey A, Hu M, Gupta M, Butler R, Mitchell J, Berber E, et al. A new, vitamin D-
based, multidimensional nomogram for the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism.
Endocr Pract. 2011, Mar-Apr;18(2):124-31.
9. Suh JM, Cronan JJ, Monchik JM. Primary hyperparathyroidism: is there an increased
prevalence of renal stone disease? AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2008 Sep;191(3):908-11.
10. Lumachi F, Motta R, Cecchin D, Ave S, Camozzi V, Basso SM, et al. Calcium
metabolism & hypercalcemia in adults. Curr Med Chem. 2011;18(23):3529-36.
11. Bilezikian JP, Khan AA, Potts Jr JT. Guidelines for the management of asymptomatic
primary hyperparathyroidism: summary statement from the third international workshop. The
Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2009;94(2):335-9.
13
12. Jubiz W, Canterbury JM, Reiss E, Tyler FH. Circadian rhythm in serum parathyroid
hormone concentration in human subjects: correlation with serum calcium, phosphate,
albumin, and growth hormone levels. J Clin Invest. 1972 Aug;51(8):2040-6.
13. Cusano NE, Maalouf NM, Wang PY, Zhang C, Cremers SC, Haney EM, et al.
Normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism and hypoparathyroidism in two community-based
nonreferral populations. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Jul;98(7):2734-41.
14. Campenni A, Ruggeri RM, Sindoni A, Giovinazzo S, Calbo E, Ieni A, et al.
Parathyroid carcinoma presenting as normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism. J Bone Miner
Metab. May;30(3):367-72.
15. Udelsman R, Lin Z, Donovan P. The superiority of minimally invasive
parathyroidectomy based on 1650 consecutive patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.
Ann Surg. Mar;253(3):585-91.
16. Wallace LB, Parikh RT, Ross LV, Mazzaglia PJ, Foley C, Shin JJ, et al. The
phenotype of primary hyperparathyroidism with normal parathyroid hormone levels: how
low can parathyroid hormone go? Surgery. Dec;150(6):1102-12.
17. Martin KJ, Gonzalez EA. Metabolic bone disease in chronic kidney disease. J Am
Soc Nephrol. 2007 Mar;18(3):875-85.
18. Jensen CE, Tuck SM, Agnew JE, Koneru S, Morris RW, Yardumian A, et al. High
prevalence of low bone mass in thalassaemia major. Br J Haematol. 1998 Dec;103(4):911-5.
19. Haidar R, Musallam KM, Taher AT. Bone disease and skeletal complications in
patients with beta thalassemia major. Bone. 2010, Mar;48(3):425-32.
20. Svara F. Chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD): a new term
for a complex approach. J Ren Care. 2009 Mar;35 Suppl 1:3-6.
21. Hamada Y, Fukagawa M. [Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and bone. The mechanisms
of chronic kidney disease--mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD)]. Clin Calcium. 2009
Apr;19(4):486-92.
22. Tanko LB, Karsdal MA, Christiansen C, Leeming DJ. Biochemical approach to the
detection and monitoring of metastatic bone disease: What do we know and what questions
need answers? Cancer Metastasis Rev. 2006 Dec;25(4):659-68.

IDENTIFYING PARATHYROID HORMONE DISORDERS AND ITS PHENOTYPES THROUGH A BONE HEALTH SCREENING PANEL: IT'S NOT SIMPLE VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY!

  • 1.
    1 Title: Identifying Parathyroid HormoneDisorders and Its Phenotypes through a Bone Health Screening Panel: It’s Not Simple Vitamin D Deficiency! Running Title: Identifying PTH Disorders Authors & Affiliations: 1. Hafsa Majid, MBBS, FCPS, Section of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500. Karachi 74800, Pakistan. Telephone: 021-34861927. Email: hafsa.majid@aku.edu 2. Aysha Habib Khan*, MBBS, FCPS, FCPP, IFCAP Section of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500. Karachi 74800, Pakistan. Telephone: 021-34861927. Fax: 92-2134934294 Email: aysha.habib@aku.edu 3. Maria Riaz, MBBS Section of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500. Karachi 74800, Pakistan. Telephone: 021-34861927. Email: lia.riaz@gmail.com 4. Hussain Karimi, MBBS Sindh Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi 74200, Pakistan. Telephone: 021-39215754. Email: hussainkarimi4@gmail.com 5. Jamsheer Talati, MBBS, FRCS Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500. Karachi 74800, Pakistan. Telephone: 021-34864521. Email: Jamsheer.talati@aku.edu *Corresponding Author
  • 2.
    2 Abstract: Objectives: To determine theutility of bone health screening panel in identifying disorders of parathyroid gland secretions. Methods: A retrospective analysis of biochemical parameters in bone health screening panel (BHSP) was conducted. The low and high cut offs were applied to determine hypo functioning and hyper functioning conditions related to parathyroid hormone. Clinical phenotypes of parathyroid gland abnormalities were made by using combination of levels of calcium, vitamin D and iPTH. PTH nomogram defined by Harvey et al was applied to calculate max expected PTH for existing level of 25OHD. Medical records of patients were reviewed for clinical validation of biochemical findings. Results: Sixty eight percent subjects showed abnormal PTH secretion. Primary hyper and hypo parathyroidism was detected in 1% (n=5) and 0.4% (n=2) respectively. Normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism and hypercalcemia with inappropriately high normal PTH was identified in 8.5% (n=37) and 2% (n=10) respectively. All subjects with primary and normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism had higher measured PTH than calculated maxPTH using PTH nomogram. Secondary hyperparathyroidism and functional hypoparathyroidism was present in 18% (n=88) and 39% (n=194) subjects respectively. High prevalence of bone pains, renal stones and low BMD were identified in patients with abnormal PTH secretion. Conclusions: Panel testing is useful in early diagnosis of metabolic bone disorders related to PTH. BHSP helps identify normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism and hypercalcemia with inappropriately high PTH. Key Words & Abbreviation: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD), Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP), Normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism (NCHP), Secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT), Functional hypoparathyroidism, Primary hypoparathyroidism.
  • 3.
    3 BACKGROUND: Parathyroid glands areinstrumental in bone and mineral homeostasis. Disorders of secretion are primary, in which parathyroid glandular activity is intrinsically abnormal (e.g. primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP), hypoparathyroidism) and secondary, in which increased or decreased parathyroid glandular activity is an adjustment to another pathophysiological process (e.g. vitamin D deficiency (VDD), chronic renal failure (CRF)); or a physiologic adjustment to another pathophysiological events that lead either to hypercalcemia or hypocalcaemia. Recently, newer phenotypes of PHP have evolved. This includes normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism (NCHP); which is characterized by normal serum calcium and high intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels in the absence of VDD and CRF. Another phenotype is of inappropriately normal iPTH in the setting of hypercalcemia (hypercalcemia with inappropriately normal iPTH). In addition, a significant proportion of subjects do not demonstrate secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT) despite VDD; this has been labelled as functional hypoparathyroidism. Disorders of PTH secretion are an important cause of metabolic bone diseases (MBD), which are frequent in general population (1-3) and contribute to morbidity and decrease quality of life (4-7). Biochemical assessment of bone health is important for diagnosis. There is wide variability in clinical presentation; and non-specific in symptoms are a diagnostic challenge. Most subjects are identified only while investigated for another disorder. Measurement of serum calcium, 25 hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) and plasma iPTH concentrations, although readily available; when used individually are of limited value in assessing MBD. Simultaneous testing with markers relevant to MBD improves diagnostic yield as interpretation can be made together with clinical history and examination. They are also economical both in terms of time and money for the patients and physician. Bone Health Screening Panel (BHSP); variably utilizing combination of blood tests to screen, diagnose and monitor MBD in clinical practice has been developed in laboratories. These panels facilitate in answering the potential clinical questions that a physician seeks when investigating MBD. For this reason we introduced a biochemical testing panel (comprising of serum 25OHD, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, albumin and iPTH) to screen for bone and mineral disorders at the Clinical Laboratories, Aga Khan University Hospital in January 2011. So this audit was conducted to determine the utility of BHSP in identifying disorders of parathyroid gland secretion. There are not many studies on simultaneous testing with multiple biochemical tests for correctly assessing bone minerals status, which can be missed on routine health screening.
  • 4.
    4 MATERIALS AND METHODS: DataCollection: A retrospective analysis was conducted at Section of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University (AKU) for assessing the diagnostic utility of BHSP. Laboratory data of patients tested for this panel from 1st January 2011 till December 31st 2013 was retrieved from integrated laboratory management systems. Processing and Analysis of Samples in Bone Health Screening Panel: Venous blood samples were collected after overnight fast (10-12 hours) to standardize sample collection and to avoid changes due to diurnal variation and diet. About 10 ml of venous blood was collected into a gel top vacutainer and an EDTA tube. Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, albumin were performed on Advia 1800 Chemistry analyzer (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc. NY, US) and plasma iPTH was performed on Immulite 2000 (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc. NY, US). Serum 25OHD was determined by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay method on Liaison auto analyzer (Diasorin the Diagnostic Specialist, Italy). Manufacturer provided controls were run with each batch of all analytes for internal quality control. External proficiency was assured by simultaneously analyzing samples from College of American Pathologist (CAP, USA) three times a year. Serum corrected calcium was used instead of serum total calcium if low albumin (<4mg/dl) was found. Corrected calcium was measured using the formula [measured Ca + 0.08 × (4 - albumin)]. Data Analysis: I. Grouping of Subjects into Hyper and Hypo-functioning States: Subjects were grouped into hyper and hypo-functioning states based on the upper and lower cut-offs of the analytes used in BHSP. The reference ranges used for all analytes are shown in table 1. II. Classification of Subjects into Groups of PTH Disorders: Clinical phenotypes of PTH disorders were grouped based on upper and lower cutoff of calcium and iPTH after excluding VDD (<20ng/ml) as follows: 1. Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) (calcium>10.2mg/dl, iPTH >87pg/ml, 25OHD >20ng/ml). 2. Hypercalcemia with inappropriately normal iPTH (calcium>10.2mg/dl, 25OHD>20ng/ml, iPTH >25pg/ml). Cutoff of >25pg/ml was used for iPTH based on study of Lungren et al (5). 3. Normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism (NCHP) (calcium 8.6-10.2mg/dl, iPTH >87pg/ml, 25OHD>20ng/ml).
  • 5.
    5 4. Secondary hyperparathyroidism(sHPTH) (25OHD <20ng/ml, calcium <10.2mg/dl, iPTH>87pg/ml). 5. Functional hypoparathyroidism (25OHD <20ng/ml, calcium <10.2mg/dl, iPTH 16-87pg/ml). 6. Primary hypoparathyroidism (calcium <8.6mg/dl, iPTH <16pg/ml). III. Biochemical validation of Hyperparathyroidism by Application of PTH Nomogram to Calculate maxPTH: PTH nomogram developed by Harvey et al [120 - (6 × calcium) - (0.5 × 25OHD) + (0.25 × age)] was used to calculate maxPTH, in subjects identified with NCHP and hypercalcemia with inappropriately normal PTH (8). This equation calculates subject specific expected PTH on the basis of his or her total calcium, 25OHD, and age measured on the same day. The equation predicts a patient-specific upper limit of normal PTH with 95% confidence interval. IV. Clinical Validation of Phenotypes of Parathyroid Gland Disorders: Medical records of subjects enrolled at AKUH for clinical consultation were reviewed for clinical correlation and validation of biochemical findings by BHSP. Ethical Consideration: Study was done in accordance with Helsinki’s ethical code. To maintain confidentiality coding was given to patients and their original identifications were removed. Exemption was sought from Institution’s Ethical Review committee (ERC number: 2894-Pat-ERC-14) Data Analysis: The statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19. Frequency was generated for gender and means with standard deviation (SD) for continuous variables. Analysis of variance was done and mean and SD of all analytes for five clinical groups were generated.
  • 6.
    6 RESULTS: General Characteristics ofthe Study Subjects: Five hundred and forty eight subjects were tested with BHSP from January 2011 till December 2013 at the Section of Clinical Chemistry Pathology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) in Karachi, Pakistan. Fourteen subjects with incomplete information were excluded and analysis to determine biochemical phenotype was performed on 534 subjects. Among them, clinical details of 111 subjects, registered at AKUH were reviewed for clinical validation (figure 1). Table 1 shows the mean biochemical parameters of 534 subjects grouped into hyper- and hypo-functioning states on the basis of reference interval used by the laboratory. Sixty five percent subjects were females with mean age of 44.5±17 years. Mean iPTH was high and mean 25OHD was in insufficient range. High creatinine was found in 7% of subjects (n=37); suggestive of renal pathology. Mean levels of other analytes were in normal range, however subjects with low and high levels were identified for each of analyte. VDD and insufficiency were the predominant abnormalities identified in 60% (n=318) and 20% (n=109) of the subjects respectively; with only 19.8% of the subjects having optimal 25OHD levels. One subject had 25OHD levels greater than 150ng/ml with normal iPTH, calcium, alkaline phosphatase and phosphorus. Mean iPTH levels were suggestive of sHPTH in VDD group only (mean iPTH 87 ± 127pg/ml) while mean iPTH in the insufficient (65±36ng/ml) and sufficient group (74±51ng/ml) was within the reference interval. Mean levels of calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase were within the reference interval and were not reflective of VDD, insufficiency and sufficiency (data not shown). Distribution of Subjects into Phenotypes of Parathyroid Hormone Dysfunction: PTH disorders were classified on 497 subjects after excluding those with high creatinine. Abnormalities of secretion were identified in 340 subjects. Figures 1 & 2 shows distribution of subjects into various phenotypes of parathyroid hormone dysfunction based on calcium, 25OHD and iPTH cutoffs, defined in methodology section. Table 2 depicts the frequency and mean blood levels in different phenotypes of parathyroid gland disorders from figure 1. Among the twenty subjects with hypercalcemia (mean calcium 10.6±0.59mg/dl); 5 had high iPTH levels suggestive of PHP, while 10 subjects had hypercalcemia with inappropriately normal iPTH. Secondary hyperparathyroidism to VDD was present in 17.7% (n=88) while 39% (n=194) had functional hypoparathyroidism. Magnesium deficiency was not related to functional hypoparathyroidism. Overall mean iPTH in VDD was high. Thirty seven subjects were identified with NCHP and primary hypoparathyroidism was observed in 2 subjects only.
  • 7.
    7 Statistically significant differenceswere seen in calcium, phosphorous, 25OHD and iPTH levels among the different phenotypes while significant difference was not found in alkaline phosphatase and magnesium levels (table 2). Identification of Primary Hyperparathyroidism using maxPTH Nomogram: The maxPTH nomogram was applied in subjects grouped in PHP, NCHP and hypercalcemia with inappropriately normal PTH to identify subject specific upper limit of PTH on the basis of age, calcium and 25OHD, as shown in table 3. All subjects with PHP and NCHP had higher PTH levels than calculated maxPTH. In subjects of hypercalcemia with inappropriately normal PTH, 6 had PTH < maxPTH showing normal PTH response to hypercalcemia and 2 had PTH = maxPTH, while in only 2 subjects PTH > maxPTH but the mean difference in PTH and maxPTH was 16.75±4.75 only. Clinical Validation of Biochemical Phenotypes Tested for BHSP: Clinical charts of 111 subjects were reviewed. Bone pain and myalgias present in 66% (n=73) of subjects; were the major indications for screening with BHSP. Thirty two per cent (n=35) subjects did not show any abnormality in the biochemical parameters. NCHP, PHP and hypercalcemia with inappropriately normal iPTH levels was identified in 7, 2 and 3 subjects respectively. Symptoms of generalized myalgia’s and bone pains were predictive of underlying PHP/NCHP. Four subjects; one each in PHP and hypercalcemia with inappropriately normal PTH and two in NCHP; were identified with parathyroid adenoma, 3 on Sestamibi scan of parathyroid glands and 1 on ultrasound neck; distribution is shown in table 3. Three subjects with NCHP reviewed, were diagnosed with osteopenia based on low bone density on DXA scan. A subject each of NCHP and hypercalcemia with inappropriately normal PTH had renal stones. VDD with sHPTH and functional hypoparathyroidism were identified in 22 and 42 subjects, respectively. More than half of these subjects (n=42) had pain either in joints or generalized, 6 subjects had fractures, 6 had osteoporosis and 6 subjects had osteopenia identified on DXA scanning. Proximal myopathy was present in 7 subjects. History of having renal stone was identified in one subject.
  • 8.
    8 DISCUSSION: Our data demonstratesthat BHSP helps identify parathyroid gland dysfunction. Phenotypes of PHP classified on biochemical cutoffs were validated by maxPTH nomogram and further correlated with clinical presentation. According to guidelines by Endocrine Society on PHP; repeat measurement of iPTH and calcium is required for confirmation of PHP (11). Since ours was a retrospective analysis, we used a multidimensional nomogram to estimate maxPTH for differentiating between normal and disease phenotypes. This approach enhanced the diagnostic accuracy in subjects with atypical biochemical findings. Awareness of biochemical phenotypes of PHP may facilitate earlier diagnosis. With increased recognition of these phenotypes, we anticipate the prevalence of hyperparathyroidism to increase beyond what is currently reported in literature in our population, where every symptom of bone pain is currently linked to vitamin D deficiency. This also has implication for management of VDD. The most common MBD in our subjects is VDD either with sHPTH or functional hypoparathyroidism. This pattern has been reported in previous studies from our Centre in healthy volunteers and in community dwelling females (2, 3). Magnesium deficiency, which is considered an important factor for functional hypoparathyroidism; did not relate with the blunted response of parathyroid gland in VDD in subjects studied. As all the samples were collected in fasting state therefore, circadian variation as a cause of blunted response of iPTH was also ruled out (12). NCHP is recognized as the next frequent PTH abnormality (8.5%) in this study. Subjects grouped as NCHP, showed higher measured iPTH levels than calculated maxPTH using PTH nomogram of Harvey et al (8) indicating altered secretion. High prevalence of bone pains, myalgias, osteopenia, and osteoporosis were identified on chart reviews in NCHP. Although NCHP has long been recognized as a phenotype of PHP; little is known about its epidemiology or natural history. In 2013 NCHP was reported for the first time among community-dwelling individuals by screening of unselected, non-referral populations from subjects enrolled in Osteoporosis in Men & Dallas Heart Study (13). NCHP can be easily missed if only serum calcium or PTH is performed or both are performed but on separate occasions (12-15). Simultaneous screening with multiple biochemical markers including creatinine and 25OHD is required to diagnose this condition (14). Hypercalcemia with inappropriately normal iPTH was observed in 10 subjects. The measured iPTH was lower than the calculated maxPTH in 8 subjects, indicating normal response of PTH to hypercalcemia. Two patients had high measured iPTH and on chart review; one of them was identified with parathyroid adenoma on Sestamibi scan and renal stone. The literature on this manifestation of PHP is scant and consists of mainly case
  • 9.
    9 reports. Patients wereeasily missed but with increasing awareness more patients are now being diagnosed and referred for surgical evaluation (15). Recently a systematic analysis of the largest cohort of hypercalcemia with inappropriately normal PTH has been published. The term “Normohormonal primary hyperparathyroidism” has been used (NHPHP) for the phenotype (16). Lundgren et al revisited PHP in menopausal women with serum calcium in the upper normal range (≥10.0 mg/dl or 2.5mmol/l) 8 years after (2002) population based screening in 1991- 1992 in Sweden. He identified 2.1% (109 out of total 5202) post-menopausal women with hyperparathyroidism, and 66% of them exhibited normocalcemia (4). Reevaluation of 99 women with NCHP eight years after screening identified 48 women who developed PHP (5). Based on this and similar findings, NCHP is considered as a subclinical condition, in which PTH levels are elevated first but serum calcium remains normal; followed by the development of frank hypercalcemia in some cases. Hence it is important to understand that NCHP not an indolent condition. Patient’s overall health should be critically reviewed for presence of consequences of PHP, with follow-up and monitoring by biochemical testing at multiple time points. Malignancy should be excluded as the cause of hypercalcemia. An ultrasound examination and a Sestamibi scan should be performed. Positive localization provides more evidence in support of the diagnosis. At the same time, patients should be extensively counseled regarding the potential benefit of halting the progression of the disease with surgery, risks of surgery, and the alternative of observation. The patient should also be counseled regarding the possibility that the parathyroid glands may be found to be normal at surgery. This BHSP can be performed for routine health screenings or as a preliminary screening tool for identifying PTH related disorders for those at high risk of MBDs, such as elderly, post- menopausal women, patients with CKD, thyroid disorders, thalassemia, multiple myeloma, inflammatory bowels disease, rheumatological diseases, metastatic cancers, Paget’s diseases, bone malignancies, rheumatoid arthritis and other connective tissue disorders. By collecting samples for all analytes at the same time; changes due to pre-analytical variables are eliminated. It can be helpful for at least yearly screening of high risk population for MBDs (17-22). CONCLUSION: Parathyroid hormone related disorders are not rare and have potential impact on bone health. Whilst s iPTH can identify abnormal levels, full characterization of the type of hyperparathyroidism requires evaluation of the other parameters included in the BHSP. BHSP provides early diagnosis and facilitates management of such diseases, especially in when the world is facing epidemic of VDD. It is therefore desirable to popularize this Test
  • 10.
    10 Panel’s use amongstphysicians especially geriatricians, internists, endocrinologists, orthopedic surgeons and rheumatologists, in parts of the world with extant VDD.
  • 11.
    11 ABBREVIATIONS: Metabolic bone diseases(MBD), vitamin D deficiency (VDD), secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPTH), Vitamin D (25OHD), plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH),Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), bone health screening panel (BHSP) primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP), normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism (NCHP), Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS), standard deviation (SD). COMPETING INTERESTS: All authors have no competing interests. AUTHORS’ CONTRIBUTIONS: HM: Design of study, acquisition of data, analysis and manuscript writing. AHK: Conception and design of study, Review and revising manuscript critically for intellectual content MR: Conception and design of study, acquisition of data and manuscript review. HK: Acquisition of data and manuscript review. JT: Review and revising manuscript critically for intellectual content All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
  • 12.
    12 REFERENCES: 1. Fahim F.The magnitude of low bone mineral [corrected] density in middle and old age women. J Pak Med Assoc. 2005 Nov;55(11):500-2. 2. Dar FJ, Iqbal R, Ghani F, Siddiqui I, Khan AH. Bone health status of premenopausal healthy adult females in Pakistani females. Arch Osteoporos. 2012, Dec;7(1-2):93-9. 3. Khan AH, Iqbal R, Naureen G, Dar FJ, Ahmed FN. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its correlates: results of a community-based study conducted in Karachi, Pakistan. Arch Osteoporos. 2012, Dec;7(1-2):275-82. 4. Lundgren E, Rastad J, Thrufjell E, Akerstrom G, Ljunghall S. Population-based screening for primary hyperparathyroidism with serum calcium and parathyroid hormone values in menopausal women. Surgery. 1997 Mar;121(3):287-94. 5. Lundgren E, Hagstrom EG, Lundin J, Winnerback K, Roos J, Ljunghall S, et al. Primary hyperparathyroidism revisited in menopausal women with serum calcium in the upper normal range at population-based screening 8 years ago. World J Surg. 2002 Aug;26(8):931-6. 6. Boonen S, Vanderschueren D, Pelemans W, Bouillon R. Primary hyperparathyroidism: diagnosis and management in the older individual. Eur J Endocrinol. 2004 Sep;151(3):297-304. 7. Lindstedt G, Nystrom E, Lundberg PA, Johansson E, Eggertsen R. Screening of an elderly population in primary care for primary hyperparathyroidism. Scand J Prim Health Care. 1992 Sep;10(3):192-7. 8. Harvey A, Hu M, Gupta M, Butler R, Mitchell J, Berber E, et al. A new, vitamin D- based, multidimensional nomogram for the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism. Endocr Pract. 2011, Mar-Apr;18(2):124-31. 9. Suh JM, Cronan JJ, Monchik JM. Primary hyperparathyroidism: is there an increased prevalence of renal stone disease? AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2008 Sep;191(3):908-11. 10. Lumachi F, Motta R, Cecchin D, Ave S, Camozzi V, Basso SM, et al. Calcium metabolism & hypercalcemia in adults. Curr Med Chem. 2011;18(23):3529-36. 11. Bilezikian JP, Khan AA, Potts Jr JT. Guidelines for the management of asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism: summary statement from the third international workshop. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2009;94(2):335-9.
  • 13.
    13 12. Jubiz W,Canterbury JM, Reiss E, Tyler FH. Circadian rhythm in serum parathyroid hormone concentration in human subjects: correlation with serum calcium, phosphate, albumin, and growth hormone levels. J Clin Invest. 1972 Aug;51(8):2040-6. 13. Cusano NE, Maalouf NM, Wang PY, Zhang C, Cremers SC, Haney EM, et al. Normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism and hypoparathyroidism in two community-based nonreferral populations. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Jul;98(7):2734-41. 14. Campenni A, Ruggeri RM, Sindoni A, Giovinazzo S, Calbo E, Ieni A, et al. Parathyroid carcinoma presenting as normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism. J Bone Miner Metab. May;30(3):367-72. 15. Udelsman R, Lin Z, Donovan P. The superiority of minimally invasive parathyroidectomy based on 1650 consecutive patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Ann Surg. Mar;253(3):585-91. 16. Wallace LB, Parikh RT, Ross LV, Mazzaglia PJ, Foley C, Shin JJ, et al. The phenotype of primary hyperparathyroidism with normal parathyroid hormone levels: how low can parathyroid hormone go? Surgery. Dec;150(6):1102-12. 17. Martin KJ, Gonzalez EA. Metabolic bone disease in chronic kidney disease. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2007 Mar;18(3):875-85. 18. Jensen CE, Tuck SM, Agnew JE, Koneru S, Morris RW, Yardumian A, et al. High prevalence of low bone mass in thalassaemia major. Br J Haematol. 1998 Dec;103(4):911-5. 19. Haidar R, Musallam KM, Taher AT. Bone disease and skeletal complications in patients with beta thalassemia major. Bone. 2010, Mar;48(3):425-32. 20. Svara F. Chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD): a new term for a complex approach. J Ren Care. 2009 Mar;35 Suppl 1:3-6. 21. Hamada Y, Fukagawa M. [Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and bone. The mechanisms of chronic kidney disease--mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD)]. Clin Calcium. 2009 Apr;19(4):486-92. 22. Tanko LB, Karsdal MA, Christiansen C, Leeming DJ. Biochemical approach to the detection and monitoring of metastatic bone disease: What do we know and what questions need answers? Cancer Metastasis Rev. 2006 Dec;25(4):659-68.