Preoperative multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 diagnosis improves the surgical outcomes of pediatric patients with primary hyperparathyroidism

Background Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is uncommon in children. The surgical management of PHPT in children has evolved over the past two decades. Methods A retrospective study of patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for PHPT diagnosed at age < 18 years and managed at a tertiary referral center for endocrine and familial disorders. Results Thirty-eight patients met eligibility criteria (1981-2012). Median age at PHPT diagnosis was 15 years. Two-thirds of patients were symptomatic (68%, n = 26), most commonly from nephrolithiasis. Twenty-six (68%) patients underwent a standard cervical exploration while 32% underwent a focused unilateral parathyroidectomy. Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) was diagnosed preoperatively in 22/26 patients. Patients with a preoperative diagnosis of MEN1 were more likely to undergo a complete initial operation (> 3 gland parathyroidectomy with transcervical thymectomy, 13/22, 59% vs. 0/4, 0%; P = 0.03) and less likely to have recurrent disease (10/22, 45% vs. 3/4, 75%; P < 0.001) during follow up than patients diagnosed postoperatively. Conclusions Children with PHPT should raise suspicion for MEN1. Preoperative MEN1 evaluation helped guide the extent of initial parathyroidectomy and was associated with lower rates of recurrence in sporadic and familial PHPT in pediatric patients. Management should occur at a high volume center with experienced clinicians and genetic counseling services.