A study of secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic kidney disease in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is one of the less recognized complications in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The prevalence of SHPT in various stages of CKD was evaluated by measuring the levels of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH). Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 100 CKD patients. Serum creatinine, calcium, phosphorous and iPTH levels were measured and statistical analysis was carried out using the SPSS software (IBM, NY, USA). Results: Among the 100 participants, the mean age (SD) was 59.3 (7.8) years. In our study population, 52% were men and the rest were females. Hypertension (75%) was the most common chronic morbidity. Prevalence of hyperparathyroidism among chronic kidney disease patients was 22% (95% CI: 14.7-30.9%). The prevalence of secondary hyperparathyroidism among dialysis and non-dialysis patients were 30% and 14% respectively which was statistically significant. Conclusions: SHPT is an important complication which is often underdiagnosed. Secondary hyperparathyroidism starts to develop when eGFR falls below 60ml/min. PTH levels starts to rise as the disease progress. Hence it is important for the treating physicians to monitor the PTH levels early in the course of CKD to prevent and treat bone mineral disease.