New guidelines on hyperparathyroidism published
Salvatore Minisola of the Department of Clinical, Internal, Anaesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences (SCIAC) is among the authors of the new guidelines on primary hyperparathyroidism published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research (JMBR).
Hyperparathyroidism is a condition that occurs when one or more parathyroid glands, i.e. glands located in the neck near the thyroid gland, become overactive, causing high levels of parathormone, resulting in hypercalcaemia.
The latest guidelines concerning the disease were published in 2014. However, over the years, there have been many discoveries about hyperparathyroidism, from aetiology and physiology to possible therapies, the surgical one remaining the main one in any case.
It is precisely for this reason that a major systematic review and meta-analysis of the various research studies on primary hyperparathyroidism has been undertaken over the past two years. This major work has involved more than 50 experts worldwide, separated into four groups, each focusing on a different aspect of the disease.
In particular, Salvatore Minisola and the Sapienza University team focused on the epidemiological aspects and the effects of the disease on the skeletal system. During this research, it was highlighted how in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, there is a greater risk of vertebral and non-vertebral fractures, the latter often asymptomatic. Furthermore, it was shown that there is not only a quantitative but also a qualitative alteration of the skeletal structure.
The work of these experts was a major literature review that led to a greater understanding of the pathology through the use of new molecular and instrumental technologies.
The international experts include two other Sapienza University researchers from the same department as Salvatore Minisola: Jessica Pepe and Cristiana Cipriani.
References:
Evaluation and Management of Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Summary Statement and Guidelines from the Fifth International Workshop Journal of Bone and Mineral Research (JMBR)
Further Information:
Salvatore Minisola
Department of Clinical, Internal, Anaesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences