Impact of parathyroidectomy on depression symptoms in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background

The presentation of primary hyperparathyroidism has evolved in recent years. At the moment, most patients are diagnosed incidentally through routine tests. However, these patients may present depressive symptoms and mood disturbances that may affect their quality of life. The objective of this study was to analyze published articles that evaluate depressive symptoms in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and the changes produced in the short, mid, and long term after parathyroidectomy.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature on published articles that evaluated the role of parathyroidectomy on symptoms related to depression in primary hyperparathyroidism was carried out. A search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and SciELO databases using terms specifically related to depression. All relevant literature published from the year 2000 to the present was included. The selection of studies was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses strategy. A meta-analysis was performed with studies that used the 2 most common depression-specific questionnaires.

Results

In total, 26 studies conducted in 11 different countries were included. A total population of 2,365 patients with hyperparathyroidism was collected and a total of 12 measurement instruments, specific and general, for depressive symptoms were used. The meta-analysis revealed a significant short-term (up to 3 months postoperatively) improvement in depression scores after surgery (effect estimate = 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33–0.81), though with notable heterogeneity among studies. Mid-term assessments (between 3 and 12 months postoperatively) did not show consistent evidence of improvement (effect estimate = 0.68; 95% CI, −0.32 to 1.69). However, long-term analysis (beyond 12 months postoperatively) demonstrated a significant and consistent reduction in depression scores (effect estimate = 0.46; 95% CI, 0.21–0.71) across studies.

Conclusion

Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism often present with depressive symptoms at diagnosis. Following parathyroidectomy, a significant improvement in these symptoms is observed. The meta-analysis confirms marked reductions in depression scores shortly after surgery, with these benefits sustained over the long term. Overall, the surgery provides lasting mental health benefits.