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Primary hyperparathyroidism in an elderly woman: surgical reversibility of profound mental state problems due to mild hypercalcaemia
Author(s) -
Ann McDonald C.,
Bruce David G.,
Smith David J.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
international journal of geriatric psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.28
H-Index - 129
eISSN - 1099-1166
pISSN - 0885-6230
DOI - 10.1002/gps.648
Subject(s) - primary hyperparathyroidism , hypercalcaemia , medicine , mental state , hyperparathyroidism , depression (economics) , surgery , calcium , pediatrics , psychiatry , economics , macroeconomics
Background Clinical case of primary hyperparathyroidism in an 89 year old woman causing profound neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with relatively mild increases in serum calcium levels. Objectives To demonstrate that lowering of serum calcium levels by medical treatment (biphosphonate), provided a scientific basis from which to treat a very elderly woman with neuropsychiatric symptoms with definitive surgery. Method Case report. Results The use of biphosphonate therapy led to marked but temporary improvements in her mental state. Conclusion A trial of reducing serum calcium levels with biphosphonate appears to be indicated in elderly patients with mild primary hyperparathyroidism and neuropsychiatric disorders. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.