Final answer:
Primary hyperparathyroidism can lead to complications like renal osteodystrophy, vascular calcification, and tertiary hyperparathyroidism. The 24-hour urine calcium test is crucial for diagnosis and management, as it assesses calcium excretion and helps in monitoring the disease and preventing complications such as calcium phosphate stones.
Step-by-step explanation:
Primary hyperparathyroidism is at risk of long-term complications such as renal osteodystrophy, vascular calcification, and tertiary hyperparathyroidism which further impairs cardiac function. The disease is characterized by excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH), leading to high serum calcium, low serum phosphate, and increased bone resorption, which can result in bone destruction and kidney stones. As the disease progresses, it can cause hypercalcaemia and potentially lead to structures within the body becoming calcified, which impairs their function and can cause significant morbidity.
The role of 24-hour urine calcium measurement is significant in the diagnosis and management of hyperparathyroidism. In this disease state, despite hypercalcaemia, urinary calcium excretion is increased. This test helps in assessing the amount of calcium excreted in the urine over a 24-hour period, and it is essential for distinguishing between primary hyperparathyroidism and other causes of hypercalcaemia. It also aids in monitoring the effect of treatment for hyperparathyroidism, helping to avoid complications from the disease such as calcium phosphate stones formation.