Recent Hyperparathyroidism Study Shows How Different Racial Groups Are Affected
Beverly Hills, CA (PRWEB) November 26, 2013 -- Researchers from UCLA have recently reported the findings of a study of hyperparathyroidism among patients of various racial backgrounds. Hyperparathyroidism affects approximately 1% of the population and is the result of overactive parathyroid glands. The parathyroid glands are responsible for regulating calcium levels in the body and 90% of people with high levels of calcium have hyperparathyroidism. The study from UCLA found that African-American women over the age of 50 were the group with the most cases of hyperparathyroidism.
“We know that women are three times more likely to be diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism and the disease occurs most often in people over the age of 50, but this study sheds new light on how race impacts one’s risk,” explained board-certified parathyroid surgeon Babak Larian, MD, FACS, from the CENTER for Advanced Parathyroid Surgery in Beverly Hills.
While it is not surprising that older women are affected the most by hyperparathyroidism, the researchers from UCLA were surprised that the most affected racial group was African-Americans. On average, African-American women have stronger bones and fewer instances of bone fractures. The UCLA researchers are now looking to explore the findings further to discover why African-American women over 50 are the most affected group.
“Those suffering from hyperparathyroidism need to know that there are safe and effective surgical options to remove overactive parathyroid glands. Regardless of age, gender, or racial background, almost all cases of hyperparathyroidism can be treated with a minimally invasive parathyroidectomy,” said Dr. Larian of the findings.
Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy allows experts such as Dr. Larian of the CENTER for Advanced Parathyroid Surgery in Beverly Hills to locate and remove abnormal parathyroid glands with a smaller incision, shorter surgery time, and less risk of complications. Unlike standard parathyroid operations, a minimally invasive parathyroidectomy generally results in the patient being able to return home the same day as the procedure with less post-surgery pain and a quicker healing time. People of all backgrounds with hyperparathyroidism can benefit from the groundbreaking minimally invasive parathyroidectomy.
“Surgery is the only cure for hyperparathyroidism. The minimally invasive parathyroidectomy is just as effective as the traditional parathyroidectomy when performed by an expert who utilizes advanced pre-operative imaging and intra-operative PTH testing,” explained Dr. Larian.
Dr. Babak Larian, the Director of the CENTER for Advanced Parathyroid Surgery in Los Angeles, is a highly experienced and reputable board-certified head and neck surgeon. Dr. Larian is nationally renowned for his expertise in minimally invasive surgery techniques involving parathyroid disorders and is considered a pioneer in his field. Currently, Dr. Larian holds the prestigious honor of Chief of Head & Neck Surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at UCLA.
For additional information regarding Dr. Larian and the various services offered at the CENTER for Advanced Parathyroid surgery, please visit http://www.parathyroidmd.com or call 310-461-0300.
Risa Luksa, La Peer Health Systems, http://www.lapeerhealth.com/, 855-360-9119, [email protected]
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