Abstract: Objective To investigate the effect of parathyroidectomy (PTX) on the progression of renal anemia in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Methods A total of 25 MHD patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism treated with PTX in the recent 7 years were retrospectively analyzed. The changes of serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) after PTX were evaluated. The supplement doses of recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) were recorded. Results Serum iPTH, Ca, and P levels were significantly decreased after PTX. No significant difference of hemoglobin level was found after the operation for 1, 3 and 6 months, but the dose of EPO decreased after the operation. There was a positive correlation between the dose of EPO and the level of serum iPTH in MHD patients (r=0.48, P=0.00). Conclusion PTX can significantly reduce the dose of EPO and delay the progression of renal anemia in MHD patients with renal anemia.

Key words: Parathyroidectomy, Renal anemia, Maintenance hemodialysis, Erythropoietin