Multicenter study on parathyroidectomy (PTX) in Italy: preliminary results

Background When medical therapy is unable to achieve biochemical control of secondary hyperparathyroidism, parathyroidectomy (PTX) is indicated, fortunately in a minority of patients. Thus, data on PTX prevalence and biochemical control are limited and, in particular in Italy, date back to 1999. Methods We designed a prospective, observational and multicenter study to collect data from dialysis units distributed throughout the Italian regions. Clinical data were collected with a dedicated data sheet. Results From January to December 2010, 149 Centers serving a total of 12,515 patients provided data on 528 living PTX cases (PTX prevalence = 4.2%). Prevalence was higher in hemo- than in peritoneal dialysis (4.5 vs. 1.9%, X 2 = 21.52; p