OBJECTIVETo analyze the clinical symptoms of patients with hyperparathyroidism.

METHODSThe clinical data of 455 patients with hyperparathyroidism who were treated in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from October 1974 to January 2009 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTSOut of these 455 patients, there were 156 men (34.3%) and 299 women (65.7%), and the male/female ratio was 1:1.92. The mean onset age was (40.33±16.61) years (range: 5-86 years). Most patients (n=372, 81.8%) with skeletal manifestations, of whom 283 patients (62.2%) presented with ostealgia. The second most common symptom (n=252, 55.4%) was in urinary system, of whom 162 patients (35.6%) had nephrolithiasis. There were 200 patients (44.0%) with digestive system symptoms and 54 patients (11.9%) with neuropsychological symptoms. Twenty-one patients (4.6%) had asymptomatic hyperparathyroidism. There were 133 patients (29.2%) with decreased body height, and the mean decrease was(6.23±5.02)cm. Forty-nine patients (10.8%) presented with hypercalcemia crisis.

CONCLUSIONSWomen are more susceptible to hyperparathyroidism, which is featured by symptoms in skeletal system, urinary system, and digestive system. The asymptomatic hyperparathyroidism is relatively rare, which should be carefully considered during clinical practice.