Hyperparathyroidism among Atomic Bomb Survivors in Hiroshima

TLDR

The study aimed to assess how atomic bomb radiation exposure influenced the prevalence of hyperparathyroidism among 3,948 Hiroshima survivors and controls. Diagnosis relied on histopathology or consistent hypercalcemia with elevated serum parathyroid hormone levels. Primary hyperparathyroidism was found in 19 survivors, with a three‑fold higher prevalence in females, a dose‑dependent risk increase (relative risk 4.1 at 1 Gy), stronger effects in those younger at bombing, and evidence that even low radiation doses can induce the disorder.

Abstract

To determine the effect of exposure to atomic bomb radiation on the occurrence of hyperparathyroidism, the prevalence was determined among a population of 3,948 atomic bomb survivors and their controls in Hiroshima. The diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism was based upon histopathological findings or the presence of consistent hypercalcemia and elevated levels of serum parathyroid hormone. Primary hyperparathyroidism was diagnosed in 19 persons (3 males, 16 females). Females had approximately a threefold higher overall prevalence of hyperparathyroidism than males (P less than 0.05). The prevalence rates of hyperparathyroidism increased with radiation dose (chi2(1) = 12, P less than 0.001) after adjusting for sex and age at the time of the bombing. The estimated relative risk was 4.1 at 1 Gy (95% confidence limits 1.7 to 14). There was some evidence that the effect of radiation was greater for individuals who were younger at the time of the bombing. In conclusion, exposure to atomic bomb radiation affected the occurrence of hyperparathyroidism, suggesting that doses of radiation lower than those used in radiotherapy may also induce this disorder.