Efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation versus parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism in dialysis patients: a single-center retrospective study

Safety of radiofrequency ablation in patients with hyperparathyroidism: a 10-year real-world multicenter experience

BACKGROUND

US-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a validated procedure for hyperparathyroidism (HPT). However, it is associated with potentially significant complications, and data regarding the incidence and risk factors associated with RFA-related complications are limited.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the complication rates associated with RFA for HPT and identify the potential influential factors.

METHODS

This retrospective study was to investigate the associated complications in HPT patients who underwent RFA between January 2013 and April 2024. We collected and analyzed complications for these patients, focusing on their categories and rates. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the crucial factors.

RESULTS

Three hundred twenty patients were included, including 117 cases of primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) and 203 cases of secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT). The overall complication rate was 22.2% (71/320), with 9.4% (30/320) being major complications and 14.7% (47/320) minor complications. Six patients experienced both major and minor complications. Among sHPT patients, 54 cases (26.6%, 54/203) experienced complications, including 22 major cases and 36 minor cases; however, among pHPT patients, 17 cases experienced complications (14.5%, 17/117), with 8 being major and 11 being minor. sHPT was identified as a risk factor for overall complications (odds ratio, 2.132; p = 0.014) and minor complications (odds ratio, 2.077; p = 0.046). Maximum diameter was the only risk factor for major complications (odds ratio, 1.508, p = 0.047).

CONCLUSIONS

RFA is a well-tolerated technique with an acceptably low incidence of major complications for HPT. Enhanced management strategies involving patients with sHPT and large hyperplastic glands may help mitigate complications.

KEY POINTS

Question Is ultrasound-guided RFA a safe nonsurgical alternative to traditional parathyroidectomy for patients with pHPT and sHPT who require intervention? Findings Ultrasound-guided RFA is a safe procedure for treating HPT. However, patients with sHPT and large hyperplastic glands are more likely to develop complications. Clinical relevance RFA is a well-accepted technique with a relatively low complication rate and can be used as a non-surgical alternative in the management of HPT.

Efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation for hyperparathyroidism: a meta-analysis and systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is increasingly being investigated as a treatment for parathyroid lesions, with favorable outcomes, especially in patients who are ineligible for surgery or decline surgery. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of RFA in treating hyperparathyroidism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed and Embase were searched for original literature published on or before July 18, 2024. We included 14 eligible studies with 593 patients (241 with primary hyperparathyroidism [PHPT], 310 with secondary hyperparathyroidism [SHPT], and 42 with tertiary hyperparathyroidism [THPT]). Serial pooled means of biochemical indexes (parathyroid hormone [PTH], calcium, phosphorus), volume reduction ratio (VRR) after RFA, and complication rate were calculated.

RESULTS

In PHPT, the pooled mean baseline PTH value of 158.7 pg/mL and serum calcium value of 10.96 mg/dL significantly decreased to 57.3 pg/mL and 9.55 mg/dL, respectively, at 12 months (both p < 0.001), with both being within normal ranges. The pooled mean VRR gradually increased, reaching 95.6% at 12 months. In SHPT, the pooled mean baseline PTH value of 1683.7 pg/mL significantly decreased to 267.2 pg/mL at 12 months (p < 0.001), which was within the target reference level (PTH ≤ 585 pg/mL). In THPT, the mean baseline PTH value of 1284.9 pg/mL decreased to 161.6 pg/mL at 1 year (p < 0.001). The pooled incidence rates of total, major, and minor complications were 27.9%, 7.5%, and 20.0%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

RFA showed promising effectiveness and safety profiles, particularly for patients who are ineligible for surgery or decline surgical intervention.

KEY POINTS

Question What is the efficacy and safety of RFA in treating hyperparathyroidism? Findings In PHPT, pooled mean values of biochemical indexes (serum PTH, calcium) were normal throughout 12-month follow-up. In SHPT and THPT, pooled mean PTH stayed within target ranges throughout 12-month follow-up. Clinical relevance RFA showed efficacy and safety in treating hyperparathyroidism, maintaining biochemical indexes within normal or target ranges throughout 12-month follow-ups. RFA would be a valuable treatment option for patients who are ineligible for surgery or who decline surgical intervention.

Comparison of microwave ablation and parathyroidectomy for treating severe secondary hyperparathyroidism

Objective

This study compared the efficacy of microwave ablation (MWA) and parathyroidectomy (PTX) in the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) and evaluated the improvement of bone metabolic markers (BMMs) and bone mineral density (BMD).

Materials and methods

Eligible patients with SHPT treated between January 2019 and August 2022 were enrolled in the study and were divided into two groups: MWA and PTX. Outcome measures included the treatment success rate, percentage of patients whose intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) concentration was within the target range, serum calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OC), C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CXT), and BMD. Data on the procedure time, intraoperative blood loss volume, length and cost of hospitalization, incidence of postoperative complications, and recurrence rates were analyzed.

Results

A total of 107 patients with SHPT-48 in the MWA group and 59 in the PTX group- were included in the study. There were no significant differences in baseline data between the two groups (p>0.05). At the final follow-up, both therapies decreased iPTH, Ca, P, ALP, OC, and β-CXT levels and increased BMD (p<0.05). Nonetheless, the decrease in iPTH, ALP, OC, and β-CXT was more pronounced 6 and 12 months after PTX (p<0.05). The percentage of patients whose iPTH level was within the target range was significantly higher in the MWA group (p<0.05). The incidence of severe hypocalcemia was significantly lower in the MWA group (p<0.05).

Conclusion

MWA can improve BMMs and BMD, and is a minimally invasive approach with great potential for treating patients with SHPT who cannot tolerate PTX.

The incidence of hyperkalemia in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism after ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation vs. parathyroidectomy

Introduction

The aim of our study was to compare the incidence of hyperkalemia in maintenance dialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism(SHPT) after parathyroidectomy(PTX) or ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation(RFA), and to explore the risk factors and the best preoperative serum potassium threshold.

Methods

We defined hyperkalemia as serum potassium >5.30 mmol/L. Two operation methods were analyzed in subgroups, and the differences in demographic parameters, operation situation and perioperative laboratory indicators were compared between the two groups.

Results

A total of 154 maintenance dialysis patients were included, of which 91 patients received PTX and 63 patients received RFA. 53 patients (34.4%) developed postoperative hyperkalemia. Patients in hyperkalemia group had higher preoperative serum potassium, phosphorus, hemoglobin and 25-hydroxyvitamin D level (p < 0.05). It seemed that males were more prone to suffer hyperkalemia than females, but there was no statistically difference (40.9% vs. 25.8%, p = 0.05). The occurrence of hyperkalemia after the operation was obviously higher in hemodialysis patients. Logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative serum potassium level (OR = 3.269, 95%CI 1.638-6.534, p = 0.001) and PTX (OR = 18.119, 95%CI 5.716-57.438, p < 0.01) were independent risk factors for predicting postoperative hyperkalemia. According to ROC curve analysis, the optimal cutoff value for preoperative serum potassium was 4.66 mmol/L, with a sensitivity of 46.8% and a specificity of 86%.

Conclusion

Hyperkalemia after invasive treatment in patients with severe SHPT was common, and the incidence of hyperkalemia after PTX was significantly higher than that after RFA. Hemodialysis patients were more prone to hyperkalemia, which was related to the preoperative serum potassium level.

Efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation for secondary hyperparathyroidism: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that affects approximately 90% of end-stage renal disease and poses a significant threat to long-term survival and quality of life in patients.

Objectives

To assess whether radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a productive and low-risk treatment for hyperparathyroidism secondary to CKD.

Methods

Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and PubMed were searched independently by two authors. The results after RFA and baseline biochemical indicators were compared, and parathyroid hormone (PTH), serum calcium, and serum phosphorus levels were the major outcomes.

Results

Four retrospective studies were screened out from 147 original literature and involved 118 cases. After RFA, serum PTH levels (1 d standardized mean difference [SMD] = -2.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] = from -3.04 to -1.56, P < 0.0001; 6 months SMD = -2.15, 95% CI = from -3.04 to -1.26, P < 0.0001; 12 months SMD = -2.35, 95% CI = from -3.52 to -1.17, P < 0.0001), serum calcium levels (1 d SMD = -1.49, 95% CI = from -2.18 to -0.81, P = 0.0001; 6 months SMD = -1.09, 95% CI = from -1.51 to -0.68, P < 0.0001), and serum phosphorus levels (1 d SMD = -1.37, 95% CI = from -1.67 to -1.07, P < 0.0001; 6 months SMD = -1.06, 95% CI = from -1.35 to -0.78, P < 0.0001) decreased significantly.

Conclusions

RFA, the newest thermal ablation technique, can effectively and safely treat hyperparathyroidism secondary to CKD. Hoarseness is the most common complication but is reversed within 6 months.

Secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic kidney disease: A narrative review focus on therapeutic strategy

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects over 10% of the global population. One crucial complication of CKD is secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), marked by elevated parathyroid hormone levels due to hyperphosphataemia, hypocalcaemia, and low active vitamin D from impaired renal function. SHPT increases risks of bone deformities, vascular calcification, cardiovascular events and mortality. This review examines SHPT treatment strategies in patients with CKD. First-line treatments include phosphate binders, vitamin D receptor activators and calcimimetics. When these fail, invasive options like parathyroidectomy (PTX) and thermal ablation are considered. PTX effectively reduces symptoms and improves radiological outcomes, outperforming medical treatment alone in reducing cardiovascular risk and mortality. Thermal ablation techniques, such as microwave, radiofrequency, laser or high-intensity focused ultrasound, offer less invasive alternatives with promising results. Future research should explore the molecular mechanisms of parathyroid gland hyperplasia and evaluate various treatments' impacts.

Radiofrequency Ablation of Parathyroid Adenoma: Results of a Retrospective Analysis of 60 Patients

PURPOSE

To present the effectiveness and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in parathyroid adenoma (PTA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study, 60 patients with a single PTA were evaluated for changes in biochemical and ultrasonographic features up to 6 months after RFA of the lesion. Adenomas were ablated with an alternative technique so called "Nik jet dissection" which incorporates full hydrodissection and polar artery coagulation. Complications as well as the variations in biochemical data and nodule volumes were analyzed between baseline measurements and at each follow-up interval data (first day, 1, 3, and 6 months after ablation) were analyzed.

RESULTS

A significant reduction in serum intact parathyroid hormone and calcium levels was observed 6 months after ablation, with a mean difference of - 83.4 ± 104.1 pg/mL, p < 0.001, and - 0.29 ± 0.22 mmol/L, p < 0.001, respectively. Serum phosphorus levels increased significantly with a mean difference of 0.09 ± 0.19 mmol/L, p = 0.040 at the end of the follow up. We observed a significant volume reduction rate of parathyroid adenomas with 89 ± 20.8 percent, p < 0.001. Also, 51% of adenomas disappeared at the end of the follow up. In this study, two cases of hematoma and one case of transient hoarseness (grade 1 of the CIRSE classification) were encountered.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that RFA with the alternative technique, called "Nik jet dissection" is a safe and effective modality in management of PTA. Therefore, we suggest expanding the indications for RFA in PTA management, especially when surgery is not feasible.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 3, Local non-random sample.

Hyperparathyroidism with acute pancreatitis in elderly patient treated by radiofrequency ablation: A case report

Acute pancreatitis as an initial manifestation of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) has been rarely reported. We report a case of acute pancreatitis from a hyperfunctioning parathyroid tumor in an 87-year-old woman with drowsy state. Laboratory tests showed high lipase, calcium, and intact parathyroid hormone level, and abdominal computed tomography scan revealed acute pancreatitis. Neck ultrasound and scintigraphy gave rise to the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism due to a left parathyroid tumor. The patient underwent radiofrequency ablation of the parathyroid tumor. After the procedure, symptoms subsided and patient was discharged from the hospital 2 weeks later. Six months of treatment, the PTH and calcium serum significantly reduced, her clinical presentation was stable, and there were no signs or symptoms of recurrence pancreatitis.

Radiofrequency ablation for patients with recurrent or persistent secondary hyperparathyroidism after parathyroidectomy: initial experience

BACKGROUND

Reoperation for recurrent or persistent secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) after parathyroidectomy is challenging due to surgical scars and postoperative adhesions. Therefore, there is an increasing need to develop a new minimally invasive therapy.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the efficacy of ultrasound (US)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with recurrent or persistent SHPT after parathyroidectomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From March 2013 to January 2022, 20 enlarged parathyroid glands in 10 patients with recurrent or persistent SHPT were treated with US-guided RFA. The levels of serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as well as clinical symptoms, were compared before and after RFA. The ablation procedure-related complications were also evaluated. The target range for iPTH levels was approximately 2-9 times the upper limit of normal (130-585 pg/mL).

RESULTS

The mean follow-up time was 49.6 ± 34.5 months (range from 6 to101 months). The levels of serum iPTH, Ca, and P decreased significantly one day post-ablation. Six months after RFA, 70% of patients reached the targets for iPTH, and 50% of patients reached targets at the end of follow-up. Two patients underwent repeat ablation at 9 months and 6 years after RFA, respectively, due to persistently elevated iPTH levels, and both had serum iPTH concentrations in the recommended range at the recent follow-up visit. The patients' clinical symptoms significantly improved after ablation. Major complications after RFA included hoarseness (2/10) and permanent hypoparathyroidism (1/10). Severe hypocalcemia occurred in four patients (4/10) after ablation.

CONCLUSION

US-guided percutaneous RFA for recurrent or persistent SHPT is safe, efficacious, and repeatable, and can significantly improve hyperparathyroidism-related symptoms.

Complications of microwave ablation in patients with persistent/recurrent hyperparathyroidism after surgical or ablative treatment

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the complications associated with microwave ablation (MWA) in treating persistent/recurrent hyperparathyroidism (HPT) post-surgical or ablative treatments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From January 2015 to December 2022, 87 persistent/recurrent HPT patients (primary HPT [PHPT]: secondary HPT [SHPT] = 13:74) who underwent MWA after surgical or ablative treatment were studied. Grouping was based on ablation order (initial vs. re-MWA), prior treatment (parathyroidectomy [PTX] vs. MWA), and etiology (PHPT vs. SHPT). The study focused on documenting and comparing treatment complications and analyzing major complication risk factors.

RESULT

Among the 87 patients, the overall complication rate was 17.6% (15/87), with major complications at 13.8% (12/87) and minor complications at 3.4% (3/87). Major complications included recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy (12.6%) and Horner syndrome (1.1%), while minor complications were limited to hematoma (3.4%). Severe hypocalcemia noted in 21.6% of SHPT patients. No significant differences in major complication rates were observed between initial and re-MWA groups (10.7% vs. 13.8%, p = 0.455), PTX and MWA groups (12.5% vs. 15.4%, p = 0.770), or PHPT and SHPT groups (15.4% vs. 13.5%, p > 0.999). Risk factors for RLN palsy included ablation of superior and large parathyroid glands (>1.7 cm). All patients recovered spontaneously except for one with permanent RLN palsy in the PTX group (2.1%).

CONCLUSION

Complication rates for MWA post-surgical or ablative treatments were comparable to initial MWA rates. Most complications were transient, indicating MWA as a viable and safe treatment option for persistent/recurrent HPT patients.

Full thermal ablation versus partial thermal ablation for secondary hyperparathyroidism: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Regarding the thermal ablation treatment of refractory secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), there is no consensus on the ablation range of the hyperplastic parathyroid gland. Therefore, this meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and complications between full and partial thermal ablation in patients with refractory SHPT.

METHODS

Databases including PubMed, EMbase, the Cochrane Library, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), and Wanfang databases were searched from inception to July 1, 2023. Eligible studies comparing full thermal ablation and partial thermal ablation for SHPT were included. Data were analyzed using Review Manager Version 5.3.

RESULTS

Four studies were included in the meta-analysis. Three cohort studies and one randomized controlled trial involving 62 patients in the full thermal ablation group and 63 patients in the partial thermal ablation group were included. The serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, and phosphorus levels after full ablation were all lower than those after partial ablation (P < .05). There was no significant difference between the partial and full ablation groups concerning the incidence rate of severe hypocalcemia (P = .09). There was no significant difference between the partial and full ablation groups concerning symptom improvement, including bone joint pain, itching, and myasthenia (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Full ablation was superior to partial ablation in terms of reducing PTH, calcium and phosphorus levels. Full ablation might not significantly increase the incidence of severe hypocalcemia. Larger multicentre randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm the conclusion.

Safety enhancement of improved hydrodissection for microwave ablation in secondary hyperparathyroidism

OBJECTIVE

To study the safety of improved hydrodissection based on the periparathyroidal fascial space during microwave ablation (MWA) for secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from 337 patients (162 males and 175 females; mean age, 50.8 ± 12.8 [range, 16-84] years) who underwent MWA for SHPT were retrospectively reviewed. Among them, 177 patients underwent traditional hydrodissection (traditional group) and 160 patients underwent improved hydrodissection based on periparathyroidal fascial spaces (improved group). Safety enhancement was analyzed by comparing the complications between the two groups. The characteristics of the hydrodissected fascial spaces, complications, and the follow-up results were recorded. The baseline data, clinical parameters, laboratory indices and characteristics of SHPT lesions were analyzed to assess the risk factors associated with hoarseness.

RESULTS

Hydrodissection was successfully performed in all the enrolled patients according to the protocol. Six periparathyroid fascial spaces were hydrodissected, depending on the location of the SHPT lesions. The incidence of hoarseness due to recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, the most common complication of thermal ablation for SHPT lesions, was lower in the improved group than in the traditional group (6.9% vs. 13.0%, p = 0.044). The median hoarseness recovery time in the improved group was shorter than that in the traditional group (2 vs. 6 months, p < 0.001). There was no difference in technical efficiency between the two groups (improved group vs. traditional group: 75.0% vs. 70.6%; p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with traditional hydrodissection, improved hydrodissection based on periparathyroidal fascial spaces could enhance safety during MWA for SHPT.