[Renal function in primary hyperparathyroidism].

The kidney is one of the classical target organs of PTH action. Symptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is nowadays less frequent but mostly occurs with renal symptoms, in particular kidney stones. Nephrocalcinosis and polyuria, the latter closely related to the severity of hypercalcemia, are uncommon. Parathyroidectomy leads to a marked and long-lasting improvement of nephrolithiasis, whereas it has a limited effect on nephrocalcinosis. Kidney failure is one of the long-term complications of PHPT and is associated with a more severe clinical expression of the disease and a higher risk of morbidity and mortality. Current guidelines on the management of asymptomatic PHPT, the most common presentation of PHPT today, recommend surgical treatment if renal function is decreased. However, in this particular clinical setting it is unclear whether PHPT is really associated with a more rapid decline of renal function or whether successful parathyroidectomy could protect renal function.