Validation and implementation of the Dutch PHPQoL for primary hyperparathyroidism.

Abstract

Background: Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) often present with nonspecific neuropsychological symptoms, which remain challenging to quantify. While parathyroidectomy (PTx) recently has been recommended for asymptomatic patients, its benefit remains unclear as existing evidence relies on generic health-related quality of life (HRQoL) tools. In contrast, the disease-specific PHPQoL questionnaire offers more sensitive and clinically relevant symptom assessment. This study aims to translate and validate the PHPQoL for Dutch use and to evaluate the effect of PTx on HRQoL in both symptomatic and asymptomatic PHPT patients.

Methods: In this single-center prospective study, PHPT patients with at least one surgical indication underwent either PTx or conservative treatment based on medical requirement and patient preference. Clinicians classified patients as asymptomatic if no hypercalcemia-related complaints were present. HRQoL questionnaires were assessed using the PHPQoL, SF-36, and EQ-5D questionnaires at inclusion and 3 months after treatment. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.001.

Results: Of the 100 patients included (mean age: 61.5 ± 12.4 years, 77% female), 89 underwent PTx (symptomatic: n = 47, asymptomatic: n = 42), and 11 received conservative treatment. The PHPQoL demonstrated strong psychometric properties and correlated well with generic HRQoL questionnaires. Following PTx, mean PHPQoL scores improved from 52.2 to 65.9 (P < 0.001); in asymptomatic patients, scores rose from 58.3 to 71.7 (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: The Dutch version of the PHPQoL is a valid and reliable tool for assessing PHPT and demonstrates significant HRQoL improvements following PTx, including in asymptomatic patients, which may be underestimated by generic instruments.