A. Johansen et al., RELIABILITY OF PARATHYROID-HORMONE MEASUREMENTS IN THE PERIOD IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING HIP FRACTURE, Age and ageing, 26(3), 1997, pp. 175-178
Aim: as it is unclear whether parathyroid hormone (PTH) measurements p
erformed immediately after hip fracture are reliable indicators of pre
-fracture metabolic status, we set out to define how PTH levels are af
fected by hip fracture and its surgical repair. Method: in two longitu
dinal projects, we studied 12 patients presenting with hip fracture an
d eight patients undergoing elective hip replacement. PTH, calcium and
25-hydroxyvitamin D (250HD) levels were measured on admission, 2 days
and 1 week later and after recovery at least 2 months after initial a
dmission. Findings: in the subjects presenting with hip fracture, PTH
levels during inpatient care were no different from those subsequently
measured during the recovery period. In subjects undergoing elective
hip surgery PTH levels did not change following surgery and again rema
ined unchanged into the recovery period. Conclusions: measurements of
PTH performed during inpatient care of those with hip fracture appear
sufficiently reliable for use in assessment of metabolic status.