Cost Analysis between Operated Patients with Secondary Hyperparathyroidism and Patients Receiving Medical Treatment

OBJECTIVE: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a common disorder in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). Surgical treatment is performed for patients resistant to medical treatment. The purpose of this study was to compare the costs of annual medication treatment between patients who had parathyroidectomy operation and unoperated patients.

MATERIAL and METHODS: 9 patients with SHPT who had parathyroidectomy operations were evaluated retrospectively. 9 patients with SHPT with similar demographic characteristics who were receiving medical treatment were determined as the control group. Medication costs of two groups were specified and compared according to the sale prices of medications of Social Security Institution (SSI).

RESULTS: The average PTH basal values of 9 patients who had parathyroidectomy operations were 1919±594 pg/ml before operation. Relapse developed in two patients. In the third year, the average PTH value of 9 patients receiving SHPT medication treatment was 1426±317 pg/ml. The annual medication cost was averagely 785±998 TRY for operated patients and 3948±953 TRY for unoperated patients. There was a significant difference between two groups in terms of cost (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION: Annual medication costs showed a significant decrease after operation. When sufficient response cannot be received to the treatment in patients with SHPT, surgical treatment may be applied in earlier phases by taking medication costs into consideration.