Symptomatic Hypocalcemia Research Articles

Differences in the Clinical Presentation and Biochemical Profile of the Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism with regard to their Serum Vitamin D Levels: a Single-center Experience.

The association between vitamin D deficiency and primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is common and has clear implications. Vitamin D deficiency is commonly seen in PHPT population and exacerbates its severity with skeletal and metabolic effects. Retrospective data collection and review were done in patients who underwent surgery for PHPT at a tertiary care hospital in India between January 2011 and December 2020. A total of 150 subjects were included in the study and were divided into group 1 (vitamin D < 20ng/ml, deficient), group 2 (vitamin D 21-29ng/ml, insufficient), and group 3 (vitamin D > 30ng/ml, sufficient). There was no difference in the duration of symptoms or the symptomatology between the three groups. Mean pre-operative serum calcium and serum phosphorous levels were also comparable in all the three groups. Mean pre-operative parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in the three groups were 703 ± 996 vs 343.6 ± 396 vs 343.6 ± 396pg/ml, respectively (P = 0.009). There was a statistically significant difference in group 1 vs groups 2 and 3 in their mean weight of the parathyroid gland (P = 0.018) and high alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels (P = 0.047). Post-operative symptomatic hypocalcemia was observed in 17.3% of patients. Post-operative hungry bone syndrome occurred in 4 patients, all in group 1. PHPT in patients with low serum vitamin D was associated with higher serum PTH levels, increased frequency of high serum ALP levels, and higher weight of the excised gland, with no difference in the serum calcium and phosphorous.

Measurement of Parathyroid Hormone Level after Total Thyroidectomy in Prediction of Hypocalcaemia

Background: Parathyroid dysfunction leading to symptomatic hypocalcemia is not uncommon following a total or completion thyroidectomy and is often associated with significant patient morbidity and a prolonged hospital stay. Objectives: To investigate whether postoperative parathyroid hormone level is a parameter to identify hypocalcaemia after total thyroidectomy. Methods: This prospective longitudinal study was carried out with variety of thyroid disorders with indication of total thyroidectomy at BSMMU. Total 103 patient were selected following the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The routine clinical assessment and the preoperative laboratory investigations of the study population were performed before operation. Preoperative and postoperative levels of serum PTH and serum calcium level were measured. Results: Immediate post-operative period 17(16.50%) patients PTH level were low (&lt;14 pg/ ml). The mean PTH in immediate post-operative was 36.79±21.71 pg/ml. Regarding the distribution of the study patients by serum calcium, it was observed that 20.39% patients belonged to low (&lt;8 mg/dl) serum calcium. The mean serum calcium level was 8.47±1.19 (mg/dl) with ranged from 2.1 to 10.6 (mg/dl). Among the study population 11 patient developed symptomatic hypocalcemia. Most 72.7% the patient, symptomatic hypocalcemia developed after 48 hours of operation. Conclusion: Hypocalcaemia after total or completion thyroidectomy is not uncommon in our population. If we measure a single parathyroid hormone level in postoperative period that can reflect early result and help to take necessary measure to avoid hypocalcaemic effect. Low intraoperative PTH levels during thyroid surgery are therefore a feasible predictor of postoperative hypocalcemia. Sir Salimullah Med Coll J 2022; 30: 103-107

Indocyanine green fluorescence and near-infrared autofluorescence may improve post-thyroidectomy parathyroid function

BackgroundNear-infrared autofluorescence and indocyanine green fluorescence are 2 recent tools introduced to improve postoperative parathyroid function during thyroid surgery. MethodsWe conducted a randomized prospective study. Patients undergoing total thyroidectomy were randomly assigned either to the fluorescence group, in which near-infrared autofluorescence and indocyanine green fluorescence were used, or to the control group. The primary outcomes of the study were the rate of postoperative transient and symptomatic hypocalcemia. ResultsA significantly higher number of parathyroid glands were identified in the fluorescence group (3.83 vs 3.64, P = .028). The rate of postoperative symptomatic hypocalcemia was significantly lower in the fluorescence group (6% vs 17%, P = .015), as was the dosage (1.53 vs 1.91 g, P = .007) and the duration of calcium therapy (32.30 vs 45.66 days, P = .003). Having at least 2 well-vascularized parathyroid glands correlates to lower rates of transient hypocalcemia (7.4% vs 21.9%, P = .037) as well as to higher serum calcium (8.70 vs 8.42 mg/dL, P = .027) and parathyroid hormone levels (19.15 vs 11.4 pg/mL, P = .0002) on postoperative day 1. ConclusionNear-infrared autofluorescence and indocyanine green fluorescence are novel tools that may support the endocrine surgeon in preserving and predicting post-thyroidectomy parathyroid gland function.

A POTENTIALLY UNDER-RECOGNIZED COMPLICATION OF POSITIVE PRESSURE VENTILATION: ACUTE HYPOCALCEMIA

A POTENTIALLY UNDER-RECOGNIZED COMPLICATION OF POSITIVE PRESSURE VENTILATION: ACUTE HYPOCALCEMIA

Risk factors for difficult thyroidectomy and postoperative morbidity do not match: retrospective study from an endocrine surgery academic referral centre

Hyperthyroidism, goiter and thyroiditis have been associated with complex thyroidectomy. Difficult thyroidectomies may implicate longer operating times and higher complication rates, while literature on quantification and prediction of difficulty in thyroidectomy is scant. We aim at assessing the impact of preoperative and intraoperative factors on the technical difficulty of total thyroidectomy (TT) and on the incidence of postoperative complications. We conducted a retrospective study on 197 TT from 343 thyroidectomies performed with intraoperative neuromonitoring between October 2019 and June 2022 (excluding lobectomies, nodal dissection, extra-thyroidal procedures). Operating time (surrogate of TT difficulty), postoperative hypocalcaemia, recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and postoperative bleeding were assessed in relation to pre- and intraoperative characteristics. Vocal fold palsy(VFP) was defined as recovering < 12months postoperatively. There were 87 thyroid cancers and 110 multinodular goiters (21 hyperfunctioning, 51 mediastinal). Median operating time was 136min (range 51-310). Within 17.4months overall median follow-up we recorded two transient VFPs and 12% symptomatic transient hypocalcaemia. At univariable analysis male sex (p = 0.005), BMI (p < 0.001), thyroiditis (p < 0.05), hypervascular goiter (p = 0.003) and thyroid adhesions to surrounding anatomical structures (p < 0.001) were associated with longer operating time. At multivariable analysis male male sex (p = 0.01), obesity (p = 0.001) and thyroid adhesions (p = 0.008) were factors for prolonged operating time. Above-normal anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies correlated to transient symptomatic hypocalcemia (p < 0.001). Risk factors for complex TT were identified and did not correlate with morbidity rates. Results from this study may help optimizing operating room schedule and inform case selection criteria for training programs in thyroid surgery. Further research is required to confirm these findings.

Definition and diagnosis of postsurgical hypoparathyroidism after thyroid surgery: meta-analysis.

BackgroundPostsurgical hypoparathyroidism (PH) is the most frequent complication after thyroid surgery. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarize a unifying definition of PH and to elucidate the best possible approach for early detection of PH.MethodsA systematic review of the literature according to the PICO framework using Embase, PUBMED and the Cochrane library was carried out on 1 December 2021 followed by analysis for risk of bias, data extraction and meta-analysis. All studies addressing the definition of postoperative hypoparathyroidism and/or diagnostic approaches for early detection and diagnosis were included. Case reports, commentaries, non-English articles, book chapters and pilot studies and reviews were excluded.ResultsFrom 13 704 articles, 188 articles were eligible for inclusion and further analysis. These articles provided heterogeneous definitions of PH. Meta-analysis revealed that postoperative measurements of parathormone (PTH) levels have a higher sensitivity and specificity than intraoperative PTH measurements to predict PH after thyroid surgery. None of the timeframes analysed after surgery within the first postoperative day (POD1) was superior to predict the onset of PH. PTH levels of less than 15 pg/ml and less than 10 pg/ml are both reliable threshold levels to predict the postoperative onset of PH. A relative reduction of mean(s.d.) PTH levels from pre- to postoperative values of 73 (standard deviation 11) per cent may also be predictive for the development of PH. The estimation of calcium levels on POD1 are recommended.ConclusionPH is best defined as an undetectable or inappropriately low postoperative PTH level in the context of hypocalcaemia with or without hypocalcaemic symptoms. PTH levels should be measured after surgery within 24 h. Both threshold levels below 10 and 15 pg/ml or relative loss of PTH before/after thyroid surgery are reliable to predict the onset of PH.

Effectiveness of prophylactic calcium and vitamin D supplementation for preventing post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia: a meta-analysis

Background: Postsurgical hypocalcemia is the most common and troublesome consequence of thyroidectomy. We investigated the potential role of routine calcium or vitamin D supplementation in preventing postsurgical hypocalcemia. Methods: We searched MEDLINE and Embase for English-language publications using the keywords “calcium,” “vitamin D,” and “thyroid cancer.” The primary outcome was any postoperative hypocalcemia, and the secondary outcome was symptomatic hypocalcemia. Results: Four studies that included 381 patients were eligible for this meta-analysis. A random-effects model showed no significant difference in the occurrence of hypocalcemia between calcium/vitamin D treatment and placebo/no treatment. However, the occurrence of symptomatic hypocalcemia was lower in patients with calcium/vitamin D treatment. In the combined results, preoperative calcium and vitamin D supplementation were associated with a reduced incidence of symptomatic hypocalcemia. Conclusions: Our findings support the use of preoperative calcium and vitamin D supplementation in conjunction with routine postsurgical supplementation for patients after total thyroidectomy.

Preoperative supplementation of calcitriol and calcium relieves symptom and extent of hypocalcemia in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy and bilateral central compartment neck dissection: A prospective, randomized, open-label, parallel-controlled clinical study.

BackgroundHypocalcemia is the most common complication that challenges surgeons performing total thyroidectomy. Conventional postoperative calcium and calcitriol supplement has been reportedly effective; however, a time lag has been reported before taking effect. Therefore, the role of preoperative strategy is yet to be determined.Study designIn this prospective, randomized, open-label, parallel-controlled phase II clinical study (registration number: ChiCTR2200059815), a short-term preoperative administration of calcitriol and calcium was proposed in 210 patients undergoing total thyroidectomy and bilateral central compartment neck dissection. Patients were recruited and randomized (1:1:1) into three groups: (A) combined (preoperative calcitriol and calcium), (B) calcium only (preoperative calcium only), and (C) control (no preoperative intervention). Finally, a total of 172 patients were qualified for final analysis.ResultsOur data showed that 16 of 63 patients (25.4%) in the combined group had symptomatic hypocalcemia, whereas more patients from the control group (25 of 57 patients, 43.9%, P = 0.033) had symptomatic hypocalcemia. Further, the postoperative calcium level in the combined group is higher than in the control group (2.15 ± 0.15 vs. 2.09 ± 0.15 mmol/L, P = 0.031). Moreover, patients from the combined group showed lower calcium rates of <2.00 mmol/L (12.7% vs. 28.1%, P = 0.036). Remarkably, compared with the control group, patients with transient hypoparathyroidism in the combined group showed fewer rates for both symptomatic and biochemical hypocalcemia (28.6% vs. 61.1% for symptomatic hypocalcemia; 47.6% vs. 75% for biochemical hypocalcemia). Patients without transient hypoparathyroidism in all three groups showed no significant difference in rates for either symptomatic or biochemical hypocalcemia, indicating that this preoperative strategy is only effective for patients with transient hypoparathyroidism. We did not observe such beneficial effects in patients from the calcium group.ConclusionsPreoperative administration of calcitriol and calcium could reduce symptomatic and biochemical hypocalcemia, especially for those with transient hypoparathyroidism. Moreover, this maneuver could be recommended as a clinical routine in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy and bilateral central compartment neck dissection.Clinical Trial Registration http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=164316&htm=4, identifier ChiCTR2200059815.

Usefulness of ICG Angiography-Guided Thyroidectomy for Preserving Parathyroid Function.

Hypoparathyroidism is the most frequent complication after total thyroidectomy and, when permanent, it becomes a severe chronic disease. We assessed the usefulness of indocyanine green (ICG) angiography-guided thyroidectomy to reduce the postoperative hypocalcemia. Prospective study with two consecutive cohorts of patients who underwent total thyroidectomy: historical control group (CG) and angiography-guided thyroidectomy group (AG). In all patients, ICG-angiography was performed at the end of the surgery to predict immediate parathyroid gland (PG) function. In the AG, ICG-angiography was also done after PG identification to show their vascular supply. We compared the rate of postoperative hypocalcemia (calcium supplementation needed due to hypocalcemia symptoms or calcium levels < 1.8mmol/L on the first postoperative day) and permanent hypocalcemia (need of calcium ± vitamin D supplementation 12months after thyroidectomy). We included 120 consecutive patients (84 CG; 36 AG). Thyroid cancer was the most common diagnostic (63.1% CG-69.4% AG; p = 0.646) and central neck dissection was also frequent (54.8% CG-64.3% AG; p = 0.468). The AG developed a lower rate of postoperative (26.2-5.6%; p = 0.011) and permanent hypocalcemia (11.9-0%; p = 0.032). The OR for permanent hypocalcemia was 0.673 (95% CI 0.591-0.766). A significant higher rate of well vascularized PG at the end of the surgery (score 2) in the AG (39.2-52.9%; p = 0.018) was also seen. ICG angiography-guided thyroidectomy is a useful tool to identify PG vascularization, allowing a better PG preservation and a significant decrease in hypocalcemia rates.

Increased Body Mass Index is Associated With Lower Risk of Hypocalcemia in Total Thyroidectomy Patients

IntroductionHypocalcemia following total thyroidectomy is common due to postoperative parathyroid dysfunction. We sought to identify the impact of obesity on postthyroidectomy hypocalcemia. MethodsWe performed a single-center retrospective study of all total thyroidectomies performed from 2016 to 2019 after implementation of an updated calcium supplementation protocol. Patient characteristics and outcomes were measured including body mass index (BMI), postoperative hypocalcemia (Ca <8.3), and hypocalcemic symptoms. ResultsOverall, 559 total thyroidectomies were performed. A total of 146 patients (26.2%) developed hypocalcemia requiring supplementation adjustment and 116 patients (20.8%) developed mild hypocalcemia symptoms. On multivariable analysis, younger patients, patients with lower preoperative calcium, and lower BMI were more likely to develop postoperative hypocalcemia (all P < 0.05). Similarly, younger patients and patients with BMI <25 were more likely to develop hypocalcemic symptoms (all P < 0.05). ConclusionsYounger age and lower BMI were associated with increased risk of hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy. These patients may benefit from preoperative and/or increased postoperative supplementation.

Early and late complications of thyroidectomy: A descriptive cohort study in Rawalpindi.

To assess the epidemiology of thyroid disorders and early and late complications following thyroidectomy.. The descriptive cohort study was conducted at the Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from April 2017 to Janurary 2020, and comprised of patients undergoing total and near-total thyroidectomy. Post-operative complications were noted, and patients were followed up after 6 months to assess long-term complications. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. Of the 75 patients, 70(93.3%) were females and 43(58.1%) were aged <40 years. The most common symptom was neck swelling with hyperthyroidism 20(41.7%) and pressure symptom 20(41.7%). Post-operative complications developed in 26(35.6%) patients, with symptomatic hypocalcaemia being the most common 10(13.7%), followed by hoarseness 6(8.2%). Biopsy results were available for 50(66.6%) patients. Benign pathology was present in 44(88%) patients and 6(12.0%) had malignancy. Follow-up data was available for 62(82.7%) patients among whom symptomatic hypocalcaemia was the leading complication in 33(53.2%), followed by permanent hoarseness in 6(9.7%). Symptomatic hypocalcaemia and hoarseness were found to be the most common post-operative and long-term complications of thyroidectomy.

The complex role of post-operative magnesium on the long term serum calcium and parathyroid hormone levels in patients undergoing total and near-total thyroidectomy.

To assess the role of hypomagnesaemia in the development of permanent hypocalcaemia following thyroidectomy. The prospective cohort study was conducted from April 3, 2017, to January 2, 2020, at Surgical Unit 1, Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and comprised of patients of both genders undergoing total and near total thyroidectomy. Post-operative calcium and magnesium levels were noted, and the patients were followed up after 6 months and fasting serum calcium, magnesium and parathyroid hormone levels were checked. Signs and symptoms of hypocalcaemia were noted. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. Out of the 62 patients followed up, 57 (91.9%) were females and 5 (8.1%) males. The overall mean age was 38.5 ± 12.1 years Post-operative hypomagnesaemia was seen in 6(9.8%) patients and none developed follow-up hypocalcaemia. Post-operative magnesium levels were significantly negatively correlated with follow-up parathyroid hormone level (p=0.006). Fall in magnesium post-operatively and follow-up magnesium were positively correlated with follow-up parathyroid hormone (p<0.05). Permanent hypocalcaemia was seen in 7(11.4%) patients and it was significantly associated with pre-operative and post-operative calcium levels, post-operative symptoms of hypocalcaemia and readmission for hypocalcaemia after discharge (p<0.05). Follow-up hypomagnesaemia was significantly associated with follow-up hypocalcaemia (p=0.024) and follow-up symptoms of hypocalcaemia (p=0.031). Acute development of mild hypomagnesaemia post-operatively may be beneficial in early positive feedback for parathyroid hormone secretion. Hypomagnesemia 6 months after surgery may be involved in PTH organ resistance. The complex role of hypomagnesemia on PTH levels must be further explored.

The Effect of Pre-Thyroidectomy Calcitriol Prophylaxis on Post-Thyroidectomy Hypocalcaemia in Children

Introduction: Transient or persistent hypoparathyroidism is one of the most well-known complications of total thyroidectomy and may lead to symptomatic hypocalcaemia. In children, treatment of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia usually consists of postoperative calcium and/or vitamin D supplementation. In 2013, we implemented prophylactic pre-thyroidectomy calcitriol supplementation for all children undergoing total thyroidectomy at the Amsterdam UMC. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of this prophylactic calcitriol supplementation in preventing post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia in children. Methods: In a retrospective case study, we included all children (age <18 years), who underwent a total or completion thyroidectomy in the Amsterdam UMC, between 2000 and 2020. Patients were divided into two groups, patients with preoperative calcitriol supplementation and those without (controls). Hypocalcaemia was defined as total serum calcium concentration of <2.0 mmol/L. The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of hypocalcaemia in the first 72 h after surgery. Secondary outcome measures were occurrence of symptomatic hypocalcaemia, need for medical intervention within the first 72 h after surgery, and length of hospitalization. Results: A total of 51 patients were included; 26 with calcitriol prophylaxis and 25 controls. There was no significant difference in occurrence of hypocalcaemia (17/26 prophylaxis group; 18/25 control group). Median postoperative calcium concentrations in the first 72 h were significantly higher in the group with prophylaxis at 30–35 h (2.26 vs. 2.01 mmol/L) and 36–41 h (2.17 vs. 1.92 mmol/L). Occurrence of symptomatic hypocalcaemia, need for medical intervention, and length of hospitalization were not significantly different between the groups. Conclusion: Calcitriol prophylaxis resulted in somewhat higher postoperative calcium concentrations but did not reduce the occurrence of hypocalcaemia or affect clinical outcome measures such as occurrence of symptomatic hypocalcaemia and length of postoperative hospitalization.

Thyroidectomy in Australia 2022: lessons from 21,000 consecutive cases.

In this article, we aim to describe our modern-day approach to total thyroidectomy, detailing the subtle refinements of our technique, as it has evolved over three decades and 21 000 cases. Since Delbridge's seminal paper in 2003, the major changes to our approach include a retrograde approach to the recurrent laryngeal nerve that allows dissection of the distal RLN from fascial bands within the ligament of Berry before medialisation of the thyroid lobe. Routine use of intraoperative nerve monitoring systems has increased our awareness of temporary neuropraxia, facilitated a reduction in the risk of bilateral RLN palsy and improved our identification and preservation of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve. The increasing use of advanced energy devices has been associated with a reduction in post-operative haematoma rates. We adopt a low threshold to parathyroid auto-transplantation, unless all glands are assessed to be clearly not at risk, and routinely supplement patients with Caltrate in the immediate post-operative period to minimize the risk of symptomatic hypocalcaemia. Ultimately, when we reflect on the subtle refinements that have contributed to improved outcomes, the fundamental principles of exposure and dissection that have evolved over decades remain the basis of our surgical approach and must continue to do so.

Establishing a predictive model of hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy and central lymph node dissection for postoperative calcium supplementation selectively.

BackgroundThe core goal of this article is to find some meaningful risk factors that can affect the postoperative hypoparathyroidism of thyroid cancer, create an effective prediction model on this basis, and use it to selectively implement routine prophylactic calcium supplementation for patients after thyroid carcinoma surgery.MethodsThe clinicopathological characteristics of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) who underwent conventional bilateral total thyroidectomy (TT) + bilateral central lymph node dissection from January 2020 to August 2021 in the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University were retrospectively analyzed. Firstly, this study analyzed the relationship between postoperative hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism. Then, we included many potential risk factors such as gender, age, body mass index (BMI), lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) and so on and also performed univariate and multivariate analysis of the independent risk factors for postoperative hypoparathyroidism in patients, and established a predictive scoring model.ResultsAmong the 401 patients with PTC, 50.1% developed postoperative hypoparathyroidism. There was significant difference in serum calcium concentration between normal parathyroid group and hypoparathyroidism group after thyroid carcinoma surgery. BMI <24 kg/m2, lateral lymph node dissection, multifocality, and extrathyroidal extension (ETE) were all identified as independent risk factors for postoperative hypoparathyroidism. Based on these independent risk factors, a nine-point risk scoring model was created to firstly assess the postoperative parathyroid function status of patients and then to determine whether routine prophylactic calcium supplementation is needed. Importantly, the area under the curve (AUC) of the risk scoring model is equal to 0.979.ConclusionsAt present, prophylactic calcium supplementation after thyroid carcinoma surgery is a controversial postoperative treatment. It should be selectively implemented for high-risk patients with hypoparathyroidism after surgery. Routine prophylactic calcium supplementation is recommended for PTC patients with a score greater than or equal to 5, although there are no clinical symptoms of postoperative hypocalcemia caused by hypoparathyroidism. However, prophylactic calcium supplementation is not recommended for patients with PTC with a score of less than 5; if the patient develops hypocalcemia at the later stage, therapeutic calcium supplementation can then be implemented.

Is preoperative parathyroid localization necessary for tertiary hyperparathyroidism?

BackgroundThe role of preoperative parathyroid localization for tertiary hyperparathyroidism(tHPT) is unclear. We reviewed our experience regarding the feasibility of parathyroidectomy without preoperative localization. MethodsThis is a retrospective study of renal allograft recipients who underwent parathyroidectomies (2001–2019). Patients with normal preoperative serum calcium and PTH levels or previous cervical operations were excluded. Patient demographics, laboratory results, radiology reports, pathology reports, and clinical notes were reviewed. Wilcoxon signed rank test, Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher's exact and Pearson chi-square analysis were used to compare patients with and without preoperative localization. ResultsOf the 118 patients, 25 patients(21.1%) had preoperative localization. Of the 36 ectopic glands recovered, 31(86.1%) were found without preoperative localization. All 118 patients achieved normocalcemia at the time these data were collected. There were no differences in surgical cure rate, recurrence rate, temporary hoarseness, or postoperative symptomatic hypocalcemia between the two groups. ConclusionsWe observed no differences in surgical cure rate, reoperation rate, or postoperative complications without preoperative localization. Under most circumstances, it is appropriate to perform parathyroidectomy for tHPT without localization.

Preoperative prophylactic active vitamin D to streamline total thyroidectomy.

BackgroundHypocalcaemia is a common complication after total thyroidectomy (TT). Treatment consists of calcium and active vitamin D supplementation. Low levels of vitamin D before surgery have been shown to be a risk factor for postoperative hypocalcaemia, yet studies examining routine preoperative vitamin D supplementation have shown conflicting results. This retrospective cohort study aims to investigate the potential benefit of preoperative active vitamin D supplementation on hypocalcaemia and its symptoms after TT.MethodsThis study included patients undergoing TT at Uppsala University Hospital from January 2013 to December 2020, resulting in a total of 401 patients after exclusion. Routine preoperative alfacalcidol treatment was initiated for all TT patients in January 2017 resulting in two groups for comparison: one group (pre-January 2017) that was prescribed preoperative alfacalcidol and one that was not. Propensity score matching was used to reduce bias. The primary outcome was early postoperative hypocalcaemia (serum calcium, S-Ca less than 2.10 mmol/l); secondary outcomes were symptoms of hypocalcaemia and length of stay.ResultsAfter propensity score matching, there were 108 patients in each group. There were 2 cases with postoperative day one S-Ca less than 2.10 in the treated group and 10 cases in the non-treated group (P < 0.001). No patients in the treated group had a S-Ca below 2.00 mmol/l. Preoperative alfacalcidol was associated with higher mean serum calcium level day one (2.33 versus 2.27, P = 0.022), and reduced duration of hospital stay (P < 0.001). There was also a trend toward fewer symptoms of hypocalcaemia (18.9 per cent versus 30.5 per cent, P = 0.099).ConclusionsProphylactic preoperative alfacalcidol was associated with reduced biochemical hypocalcaemia and duration of hospital stay following TT. Also, with this protocol, it is suggested that routine day 1 postoperative S-Ca measurement is not required.

Early Postoperative Parathormone and Calcium as Prognostic Factors for Postoperative Hypocalcemia.

Background. Postoperative hypocalcemia is one of the most common complications after total thyroidectomy. Parathormone (PTH) and calcium levels, measured several hours after surgery, have been suggested as valuable markers for detecting patients at risk for post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia. We aimed to determine if early post-surgery PTH and calcium levels can be used for the early identification of patients at risk for symptomatic hypocalcemia. Methods. PTH and calcium were measured before surgery and at 10 min and 4 h post-thyroidectomy, in 77 patients. Performance characteristics of PTH and calcium levels and their post/pre-surgery ratios were calculated. Results. Four-hour calcium was a sensitive (93.75%) but not specific (67.61%) indicator of patients at risk for symptomatic hypocalcemia. The 4-h/pre-surgery PTH ratio was the most accurate (90.81%) and the most specific (94.37%) test to identify patients at risk. Serum calcium at 4-h, 4-h/pre-surgery PTH ratio, and PTH at 10 min post-surgery had the higher diagnostic odds ratios (50.86, 32.85, and 29.04, respectively). The 4-h/pre-surgery PTH ratio also had the highest (0.694) Youden’s J statistic. Conclusions. Low serum calcium levels 4 h after thyroidectomy and the 4-h/pre-surgery PTH ratio could be valuable additions to everyday clinical practice in post-thyroidectomy patients.

The role of Teriparatide in post-thyroidectomy permanent hypoparathyroidism: A case report

Hypoparathyroidism is a rare endocrine disease that is commonly found following anterior neck surgery. The case of permanent hypoparathyroidism occurring years after surgery is even more exceptional; therefore, it is highly potential to be left undiagnosed and thus untreated. The goal of treatment in hypoparathyroidism is to maintain the blood calcium level near the low end of the normal range while preventing symptoms of hypocalcemia. The most recent treatment also includes parathyroid hormone therapy. We present a case of a 63-year-old male presenting with vertebral fracture as a complication of hypoparathyroidism diagnosed 3 years after total thyroidectomy. He also had chronic hypocalcemia refractory to calcium and active Vitamin D supplementary. The patient was then treated with routine subcutaneous Teriparatide injection with a satisfying outcome. Serum calcium level was maintained within normal range and other symptoms of hypocalcemia resolved.

Endocrine and Growth Disorders in Taiwanese Children With 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome.

BackgroundEndocrine disorders are common in patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS). This study aimed to elucidate the clinical manifestations of endocrine disorders, including parathyroid, thyroid and growth disorders, in Taiwanese patients with 22q11.2DS.MethodsFrom 1994 to 2020, the medical records of 138 patients with 22q11.2DS diagnosed at a tertiary referral medical center in Taiwan were thoroughly reviewed retrospectively.ResultsHypocalcemia was detected in 57 of 135 patients (42%); 33 of 104 patients (32%) had hypoparathyroidism, and in 87% of them, hypocalcemia was detected before the age of one. Most patients had precipitating stressors during symptomatic hypocalcemic episodes. Eighteen of 29 patients had overt hypoparathyroidism at the last visit: 11 had persistent hypoparathyroidism and the other seven had recurrent hypoparathyroidism. Four of 84 patients had thyroid disorders, including thyroid developmental anomalies in two, dyshormonogenesis in one and Graves’ disease in one. Fifty of 126 patients (40%) had short stature. Age (odds ratio (OR) 0.91; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.86-0.96; P<0.001) and airway anomalies (OR 2.75; 95% CI 1.04-7.31; P<0.05) were significant risk factors for short stature in multivariate logistic regression model. Twenty-eight of the 30 patients with airway anomalies were associated with severe congenital heart disease. Adult height standard deviation score (SDS) in 19 patients was significantly lower than target height SDS (-1.15 ± 0.90 vs -0.08 ± 0.65, P<0.001).ConclusionsHypoparathyroidism is a common endocrine disorder in patients with 22q11.2DS. It is prudent to assess parathyroid function at diagnosis and during follow-up, especially in the presence of stress, to prevent symptomatic hypocalcemia. Although thyroid disorders are not so common as hypoparathyroidism, screening of thyroid dysfunction is justified in these patients. Patients with 22q11.2DS demonstrate a retarded growth pattern with a tendency of catch-up and regular monitoring of growth is indicated.