1α‐HYDROXYVITAMIN D3 IN PRIMARY HYPERPARATHYROIDISM

The surgcal management of primary hyperparathyroidism with severe bone disease (and tertiary hyperparathyroidism) has frequently been complicated by severe and prolonged post‐operative hypocalcaemia. In seven such cases a short pre‐operative course of l α‐hydroxy vitamin D3 has been found to abolish these adverse features virtually completely and even to diminish pre‐operative symptoms where present. Exacerbation of hypercalcaemia has not occurred and this regimen is thus recommended as a routine measure.