PHQ-9 and GAD-7 Score Response After Parathyroidectomy for Primary Hyperparathyroidism: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

• Published in: Otolaryngology-head and neck surgery Vol. 171; no. 1; p. 11
• Main Authors: Caraway, John, Ryan, Matthew, Yang, Alex, Watson, Nora, Allard, Rhonda, Orestes, Michael
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.07.2024
• Subjects: Anxiety - etiology; Depression; Humans; Hyperparathyroidism, Primary - surgery; Parathyroidectomy; Psychometrics; anxiety; psychometric screeners; parathyroidectomy; GAD‐7; depression; primary hyperparathyroidism; neuropsychiatric symptoms; PHQ‐9
• ISSN: 1097-6817
• DOI: 10.1002/ohn.698

Currently, the relationship between parathyroidectomy and objective neuropsychiatric outcomes are not clearly defined. The purpose of this study is to perform the first ever Meta-analysis of preoperative and postoperative PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism undergoing parathyroidectomy with the goal of identifying a specific psychometric score that could be used as an indication for surgical intervention. A comprehensive search of the literature was performed using PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Ovid All EBM Reviews. Studies met inclusion criteria if they evaluated preoperative and postoperative PHQ-9 and/or GAD-7 scores in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism undergoing parathyroidectomy. Random effects Meta-analyses were used to analyze the compiled data. The literature search returned 1433 articles for initial review of which 6 (1105 participants) met criteria for inclusion and Meta-analysis. Meta-analysis revealed that primary hyperparathyroidism patients had significantly higher presurgical PHQ-9 scores when compared to control groups. Additionally, patients experienced a statistically significant and sustained decrease in PHQ-9 scores following parathyroidectomy. Notably, there was a dramatic decrease in the percentage of patients with PHQ-9 scores ≥10 (considered clinically significant for depression) following parathyroidectomy. Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism experience a statistically significant and sustained improvement in PHQ-9 scores following parathyroidectomy. Additionally, symptoms of anxiety and suicidal ideation appear to decrease after parathyroidectomy. We propose that a PHQ-9 score ≥10 could potentially be used as an indication for parathyroidectomy in patients with asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism.