Reliability of parathyroid hormone measurements in the period immediately following hip fracture

Aim: as it is unclear whether parathyroid hormone (PTH) measurements performed immediately after hip fracture are reliable indicators of pre-fracture metabolic status, we set out to define how PTH levels are affected by hip fracture and its surgical repair. Method: in two longitudinal projects, we studied 12 patients presenting with hip fracture and 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 admission. 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 remained 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.