Biochemical changes following parathyroidectomy.
Biochemical changes that had appeared after subtotal parathyroidectomy (PTx) in 26 patients with end-stage renal failure were observed. The volume of excised parathyroid glands was also measured. Serum calcium and inorganic phosphorus levels fell after PTx; only to rise in due course. Serum alkaline phosphatase levels rose after PTx, reaching a peak by the 14th post-operative day. These elevated levels returned to normal range at about three months after PTx. Strong correlation was noted among the degree of post-operative hypocalcemia, and increase in serum alkaline phosphatase, but not between absolute pre or post-operative alkaline phosphatase levels and changes in serum calcium or phosphorus concentrations. Nevertheless, significant correlation was seen between pre-PTx levels of alkaline phosphatase and its short-lived post-operative rise, indicating hastened osteoblastic activity.