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Abstract
Complications such as chondrocalcinosis, nephrolithiasis, peptic ulceration, pancreatitis, hypertension, and neonatal hypocalcemia can occur in this and other forms of hyperparathyroidism; rare instances of parathyroid carcinoma are also known to occur in untreated familial hyperparathyroidism. [...]we cannot accept the general recommendations of Marx et al. that unless potentially life-threatening complications develop, the disease should remain untreated. Dr. St. Goar questions our use of the term "hypocalciuria." Since no simple criterion for diagnosis exists at present, no concise descriptive title can be both specific and sensitive. The suggested alternative title of "familial hypercalcemia" is specific but has the disadvantage of insensitivity, failing to segregate multiple distinguishable subgroups. Since precise diagnosis has immediate clinical implications, we prefer to be splitters rather than lumpers.