Predictors of the development of postoperative hypocalcemia following thyroidectomy in the patients presenting with non-toxic multinodular goiter

Abstract

Postoperative hypocalcemia is a most frequent complication following thyroidectomy in the patients presenting with non-toxic multinodular goiter. It may require long-term hospitalization, additional treatment, a large number of analyses, and frequent visits to outpatient facilities. The objective of the present study was to identify the predictors of postoperative hypoparathyroidism for the prevention of the development of hypocalcemia and its medicamental correction. The clinical data were collected prospectively during the period from October 2011 till May 2013. A total of 140 patients were available for the observation after thyroidectomy performed for the management of non-toxic multinodular goiter. Indications for the surgical intervention included cervical compression syndrome and a cosmetic defect. The patients were divided into two groups depending on the serum calcium level in the postoperative period. Group 1 (n=45) was comprised of the patients having the serum calcium level 2.00 mmol/l or lower, group 2 (n=95) included the patients showing the serum calcium level above 2.00 mmol/l. In addition, serum 25(OH) vitamin D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were measured in all the patients pre- and postoperatively. The preoperative 25(OH)D level and postoperative calcium and PTH levels in the patients of group 1 were significantly lower than in group 2 (p=0.001). It was shown that the main prognostic factors of postoperative hypocalcemia are the preoperative 25(OH)D level below 15 ng/ml (p<0.001), postoperative PTH level below 10 pg/ml (p=0.01), and the age above 50 years (p=0.01). It is concluded that in the majority of the patients the age, the low serum 25(OH)D level in the preoperative period, and the low postoperative PTH level are significantly related to the development of postoperative hypocalcemia.