DefinePK

Abstract

Background: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a frequent and significant complication in patients undergoing long-term hemodialysis. It arises due to chronic disturbances in mineral metabolism and is associated with adverse outcomes including bone disease and cardiovascular complications. Objective: This study aimed to determine the frequency of secondary hyperparathyroidism among adult patients receiving chronic hemodialysis. Study Design: This was a cross-sectional study. Setting: The study was conducted in the Nephrology Department of Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar, Pakistan. Duration of Study: The data collection occurred over a defined study period (18-September-2024 to 18-March-2025). Methods: A total of 136 adult patients on maintenance hemodialysis for at least 12 months were enrolled. Secondary hyperparathyroidism was defined by parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels exceeding 70 pg/mL, in conjunction with hypocalcemia (serum calcium <8.5 mg/dL) and vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)-vitamin D <30 ng/mL). Relevant demographic and clinical information including comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes was recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS, with descriptive statistics used for frequency and mean calculations. Results: The mean age of participants was 51.71 ± 15.84 years. Of the total patients, 73 (53.7%) were male and 63 (46.3%) were female. Hypertension was observed in 56 patients (41.2%), and diabetes in 59 patients (43.4%). Secondary hyperparathyroidism was present in 85 patients, representing a frequency of 62.5%. Conclusion: A high prevalence of secondary hyperparathyroidism was observed among adult chronic hemodialysis patients. These findings emphasize the need for routine screening and timely intervention to manage mineral and bone disorders in this population.