Head Neck. 2022 Apr 9. doi: 10.1002/hed.27057. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: This study aims to identify the strongest predictor of postoperative hypocalcemia following thyroid surgery.
METHODS: Study of patients who underwent total/completion thyroidectomy. No patients received postoperative calcium supplementation. Demographic and perioperative data were collected including preoperative baseline parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, PTH levels at 30 min and 6 h post-excision, and 18 h post-excision calcium levels.
RESULTS: Of 124 patients studied, 20.2% developed temporary hypocalcemia (Ca <8.5 mg/dL at 18 h post-excision). In multivariate analyses, absolute PTH levels at 30 min and 6 h post-excision as well as change in PTH from baseline at 30 min and 6 h post-excision were statistically significantly associated with postoperative hypocalcemia. Per 10 units decrease in PTH from baseline at 30 min post-excision, the risk of developing temporary hypocalcemia increases by 17%.
CONCLUSION: Absolute PTH levels and change in PTH from baseline at 30 min and 6 h post-excision predict hypocalcemia after total or completion thyroidectomy.
PMID:35396878 | DOI:10.1002/hed.27057
