Need For Calcium Supplementation Research Articles

The application of autofluorescence system contributes to the preservation of parathyroid function during thyroid surgery.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of autofluorescence technology on postoperative parathyroid function and short-term outcomes in patients undergoing thyroid surgery. A total of 546 patients were included in the study, with 287 in the conventional treatment group and 259 in the autofluorescence group. Both groups underwent central lymph node dissection, which is known to affect parathyroid function. Short-term outcomes, including rates of postoperative hypocalcemia and parathyroid dysfunction, serum calcium and PTH levels on the first postoperative day, as well as the need for calcium supplementation, were analyzed. A multivariable analysis was also conducted to assess the impact of autofluorescence on postoperative parathyroid dysfunction, considering factors such as age, BMI, and preoperative calcium levels. The autofluorescence group demonstrated significantly lower rates of postoperative hypocalcemia and parathyroid dysfunction compared to the conventional treatment group. The autofluorescence group also had better serum calcium and PTH levels on the first postoperative day, and a reduced need for calcium supplementation. Surprisingly, the use of autofluorescence technology did not prolong surgical time; instead, it led to a shorter hospitalization duration. The multivariable analysis showed that autofluorescence significantly reduced the risk of postoperative parathyroid dysfunction, while factors such as age, BMI, and preoperative calcium levels did not show a significant correlation. This study provides evidence that autofluorescence technology can improve the preservation of parathyroid function during thyroid surgery, leading to better short-term outcomes and reduced postoperative complications. The findings highlight the potential of autofluorescence as a valuable tool in the management of parathyroid hypofunction. Further research and validation are needed to establish the routine use of autofluorescence technology in the thyroid.

Phototherapy and serum blood calcium levels in neonates: is there a need for calcium supplementation?

Background: Phototherapy is the first line of treatment for physiological jaundice. However, it has its own set of complications. Hypocalcaemia is a less frequent but a potential complication of phototherapy. The purpose of this study was to see the effect of 24 hours of phototherapy on the serum blood calcium levels of the newborn after 24 hours of exposure and the need for supplementation in these new born babies. Methods: A cross sectional observational study was conducted at our institute on 31 newborn babies born between June 2022 to December 2022. All term neonates who developed clinically significant physiological jaundice after 48 hours of life were subjected to double surface phototherapy with LED blue light for 24 hours. These babies were screened for their serum calcium levels by venous blood sampling before the commencement of the phototherapy. The same sampling was repeated after 24 hours of exposure to the phototherapy lights to see the effect on serum calcium levels of the newborn. Results: Phototherapy was given for 24 hours. Mean serum calcium measured at 48 hours of life prior to phototherapy was 9.25±0.62 mg/ml. Also, mean serum calcium at 24 hours post phototherapy was 8.74±0.38 mg/ml. A highly significant decrease in serum calcium level was seen post phototherapy (p=0.0002). Independent samples t test was used. Conclusions: In healthy term neonates exposed for only 24 hours of phototherapy decrease in serum calcium levels to some extend was noted however it is unlikely to cause clinically significant hypocalcemia.

Cerebral Hemodynamic and Metabolic Abnormalities in Neonatal Hypocalcemia: Findings from Advanced MRI.

Neonatal hypocalcemia is the most common metabolic disorder, and whether asymptomatic disease should be treated with calcium supplements remains controversial. We aimed to quantify neonatal hypocalcemia's global CBF and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) using physiologic MR imaging and elucidate the pathophysiologic vulnerabilities of neonatal hypocalcemia. A total of 37 consecutive patients with neonatal hypocalcemia were enrolled. They were further divided into subgroups with and without structural MR imaging abnormalities, denoted as neonatal hypocalcemia-a (n = 24) and neonatal hypocalcemia-n (n = 13). Nineteen healthy neonates were enrolled as a control group. Brain physiologic parameters determined using phase-contrast MR imaging, T2-relaxation-under-spin-tagging MR imaging, and brain volume were compared between patients with neonatal hypocalcemia (their subgroups) and controls. Predictors for neonatal hypocalcemia-related brain injuries were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis and expressed as ORs with 95% CIs. Patients with neonatal hypocalcemia showed significantly lower CBF and CMRO2 compared with controls. Furthermore, the neonatal hypocalcemia-a subset (versus controls or neonatal hypocalcemia-n) had significantly lower CBF and CMRO2. There was no obvious difference in CBF and CMRO2 between the neonatal hypocalcemia-n subset and controls. CBF and CMRO2 were independently associated with neonatal hypocalcemia. The ORs were 0.80 (95% CI, 0.65-0.99) and 0.97 (95% CI, 0.89-1.05) for CBF and CMRO2, respectively. Neonatal hypocalcemia with structural damage may exhibit lower hemodynamics and cerebral metabolism. CBF may be useful in assessing the need for calcium supplementation in asymptomatic neonatal hypocalcemia to prevent brain injury.

Characterisation of parathyroid hormone concentration in extremely preterm or very low birthweight infants in routine clinical screening for metabolic bone disease: A service evaluation cohort study.

To characterise parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations in infants at high risk for metabolic bone disease, in order to assist clinical decisions around the use of PTH for screening. Infants born under 28 weeks' postmenstrual age or with birthweight under 1.5 kg in a tertiary neonatal unit in the UK were included. Clinical guidance was to assess PTH concentration in the first 3 weeks after birth. Clinical information was extracted from prospective records. Sixty-four infants had mean birth gestation of 26 weeks and birthweight of 882 g. Median PTH (sent on median day 18 of life) was 9.2 pmol/L (interquartile range 5.3-17 pmol/L). Sixty-seven per cent of infants had a PTH greater than 7 pmol/L. For 22% of the infants, raised PTH was not accompanied by abnormal phosphate or alkaline phosphatase. Eighty-nine per cent of infants tested were insufficient or deficient for 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Universal screening highlights the high frequency of high PTH in this high-risk population, implying a need for calcium supplementation. A considerable number of infants would not be identified as showing potential signs of metabolic bone disease if the assessment excludes the use of PTH. The high level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency may be a confounder.

Predictive value of 6h postoperative parathyroid hormone level on permanent hypoparathyroidism in pediatric total thyroidectomy: a pilot study.

Transient hypocalcemia is a common complication after pediatric total thyroidectomy, while permanent hypoparathyroidism (PH) is relatively uncommon. To date there is no model to predict which patients will develop PH based on post-operative makers. We aim to identify pediatric patients who are at high risk of PH following thyroidectomy based on 6h post-operative parathyroid hormone (PTH) value. A retrospective review of 122 pediatric patients undergoing total thyroidectomy between 2016 and 2022 following implementation of a multidisciplinary team was performed. Outcome of interest was permanent hypoparathyroidism, defined as need for calcium supplementation at 6months postoperatively. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine PTH value at 6h post-operative that was predictive of permanent hypoparathyroidism. Rates of permanent hypoparathyroidism reported are similar to those described in the literature with 12patients (10.9%) developing PH. In patients who developed PH, mean 6 h postoperative PTH was 5.12pg/mL. Mean 6h postoperative PTH level in those who did not develop PH was 31.34pg/mL (p<0.0001). The 6h post-operative PTH value predictive for PH was≤11.3pg/mL. PTH cutoff of≤11.3pg/mL had a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 72.2%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 27.0%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 100%. 6h postoperative PTH values were found to be predictive of permanent hypoparathyroidism in pediatric total thyroidectomy: a 6h postoperative PTH level of >11.3pg/mL excludes permanent hypoparathyroidism, but if PTH is≤11.3pg/mL at 6h, approximately 1/3 of patients may persist with permanent hypoparathyroidism.

Morbidity and long-term outcome of surgery for renal hyperparathyroidism: results from a prospective cohort

Purposes Surgery remains an important treatment option for renal hyperparathyroidism (rHPT). The number of long-term outcome studies of parathyroidectomy is limited. Methods All consecutive patients with a parathyroidectomy for rHPT between 09/2009 and 04/2021 in a Belgian tertiary referral hospital were prospectively enrolled. The main outcomes were (long-term) cured proportion and postoperative morbidity (hypocalcemia, recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy, re-intervention for bleeding, and wound morbidity). Results Sixty patients with a median age of 57 years were analyzed, including 23 patients before kidney transplantation, 23 patients without kidney transplantation, and 14 patients after kidney transplantation. Median time to transplant was 15 (6–24) months after parathyroidectomy. Morbidity was low with only two non-urgent returns to theatre (wound infection and non-compressive hematoma), two temporary RLN paralyses, and no 30-day mortality. Length of hospital stay was longer in patients with parathyroidectomy before kidney transplant, due to a more severe and prolonged need for calcium supplementation. After a median follow-up of 63 months, 37 patients (62%) were still alive, and 11 patients (18%) developed a recurrence. Conclusions This single-surgeon, single-center cohort with long-term follow-up confirms the safety and excellent ‘cure’ proportions of surgery for rHPT but stretches the importance of long-term follow-up.

How Long Does It Take to Regain Normocalcaemia in the Event of Postsurgical Hypoparathyroidism? A Detailed Time Course Analysis.

Background: Postsurgical hypoparathyroidism (PH) is the most common side effect of bilateral thyroid resections. Data regarding the time course of recovery from PH are currently unavailable. Therefore, a detailed analysis of the time course of PH recovery and conditions associated with rapid recovery was conducted. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively documented data. Patients with biochemical signs of PH or need for calcium supplementation were followed-up for 12 months. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify covariates of early as opposed to late recovery from PH. Results: There were 1097 thyroid resections performed from 06/2015 to 07/2016 with n = 143 PH. Median recovery time was 8 weeks and six patients (1.1% of total thyroid resections) required calcium supplementation > 12 months. Recovery of PH within 4 and 12 weeks was characterized by high PTH levels on the first postoperative day (4 weeks: OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.06–1.20; 12 weeks: OR 1.08, 95%CI 1.01–1.16). Visualization of all PTGs emerged as an independent predictor of recovery within 12 months (OR 2.32, 95% CI 1.01–4.93) and 24 weeks (OR 2.69, 95% CI 1.08–6.69). Conclusion: In the setting of specialized high-volume endocrine surgery, permanent PH is rare. However, every second patient will require more than 2 months of continued medical surveillance. Early recovery was associated with only moderately decreased postsurgical PTH-levels. Successful late recovery appeared to be associated with the number of parathyroid glands visualized during surgery.

The long-term need for calcium supplementation after incidental parathyroidectomy

ObjectivesHypocalcaemia and hypoparathyroidism are the most frequent complications of total thyroidectomy that may result in the need for lifelong calcium supplementation. This study aims to investigate the impact of incidental parathyroidectomy on short- and long-term hypocalcaemia. MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted on patients who underwent total thyroidectomy with or without central neck dissection between March 2016 to May 2018. All procedures were performed by three surgeons with similar experience levels. Histopathology reports were reviewed, the number of resected parathyroid glands and the underlying pathology reports were recorded, and the patients were divided into two groups; groups A and B comprised those with and without parathyroid glands respectively. The incidence rates of short- and long-term hypocalcaemia were recorded. The former was obtained through blood tests during hospitalisation and the latter via phone calls to patients 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. ResultsA total of 116 patients participated, 18 (15.5%) in group A and 98 (84.5%) in group B. No statistical significance was detected between the two groups regarding early postoperative (p = 0.109) or long-term hypocalcaemia (p = 0.48). These results were similar in patients with cancer (n = 40) (p = 0.855, p = 0.08). ConclusionIncidental parathyroidectomy of one parathyroid gland was not correlated with a higher incidence of hypocalcaemia, even in cases with thyroid cancer.

Identification of secondary predictive factors for acute hypocalcemia following thyroidectomy in patients with low postoperative parathyroid hormone levels without overt calcium deficiency: A cohort study

BackgroundThe transient acute hypocalcemia (HypoCa) is the most prevalent complication after total thyroidectomy, detected primarily by subnormal intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and calcium levels. However, the need for calcium supplementation is ambiguous in patients who exhibit low iPTH with normal calcium levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate complementary predictors of HypoCa in this scenario. MethodsA retrospective cohort study with of 1597 consecutive patients undergoing total thyroidectomy, with or without neck dissection, from January 2014 to December 2018 at a single institution. Patients with an iPTH <12 pg/mL and a total calcium level ≥8 mg/dL in the first 8 h after surgery were included. Results1597 patients identified with low postoperative iPTH without overt calcium deficiency was diagnosed. The transient HypoCa in that specific subgroup was 509 (31.9%). Multivariate analysis indicated that HYPOCA was associated with bilateral level VI neck dissection and pre- to postoperative calcium reduction >38 pg/mL. To better illustrate the model, we plotted a nomogram with the variables selected for the final model. ConclusionTotal thyroidectomy patients who exhibit low postoperative iPTH levels without overt calcium deficiency should be considered for calcium replacement therapy when they a marked drop in iPTH postoperatively and underwent bilateral level VI neck dissection.

MO580HYPOPROTEIC DIET SUPPLEMENTED WITH KETOANALOGUES IN PATIENTS WITH ADVANCED DIABETIC KIDNEY DISEASE – EFFECTS ON MINERAL BONE DISORDERS

Abstract Background and Aims Dietary protein restriction is rediscussed as mainstay approach in advanced Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), both in diabetics and non-diabetics to defer renal replacement therapy (RRT), mainly by better metabolic control; improvements in mineral bone disorders (MBD) were also suggested, but less studied in Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD). An unicentric prospective interventional trial aimed to assess the effects of ketoanalogue-supplemented low protein diet (sLPD) on proteinuria and CKD progression (data already presented). The parameters of MBD were also evaluated. Method Adult diabetic patients (452) with stable CKD stage 4+, proteinuria&amp;gt;3g/g creatininuria and SGA A were enrolled in a run-in phase (3 mo), with LPD (0.6g/kg dry ideal bw). Those who proved adherent (92, 64% males, median age 55.7 yrs, 65% on insulin) received sLPD (Ketosteril®, 1 tablet/10kg) for 12mo. Monitoring and treatment followed the Best Practice Guidelines. The primary endpoint was proteinuria during intervention as compared to pre-enrolment. Serum levels of calcium, phosphates and iPTH were considered to assess MBD. Nutrition, inflammation (SGA, BMI, serum albumin, CRP) and compliance were safety parameters. Results In patients with advanced DKD and severe proteinuria, sLPD was associated with a 69 (63; 82) % reduction in proteinuria (data presented). Significant amelioration in MBD was noted: serum levels of calcium and phosphates were significantly ameliorated at the end of the study as compared to enrolment - 4.3 (4.2-4.9) vs 3.2 (3.1-3.5) mg/dL and 5.4 (4.9-6.1) vs 8.2 (7.8-8.9) mg/dL, respectively. Serum iPTH significantly decreased: 185 (168-212) vs 375 (354-585) pg/mL. The need for calcium supplementation decreased: 6.5 (6.0-6.7) vs 7.0 (6.8-7.3) g/day. Vitamin D was required by only 35% vs 65% of patients. Nutritional status was preserved and dietary compliance was very good throughout the study. Conclusion In patients with advanced DKD ketoanalogue supplemented low protein diet seems to be effective and safe as part of MBD management.

Role of postoperative intact serum PTH as an early predictor of severe post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia: a prospective study.

Post thyroidectomy hypocalcemia is a major sequel of thyroidectomy and continues to trouble the endocrinologists and the endocrine surgeons as there is no ideal predictive marker of hypocalcemia which has the potential to develop into a life-threatening complication. The role of early serum intact parathormone (iPTH) to predict post thyroidectomy hypocalcemia is becoming useful but the literature is still unclear regarding the optimal time of testing and the optimal cut-off value of serum iPTH. This is a prospective cohort study of 111 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy in a tertiary care endocrine surgery referral unit. Serum iPTH was measured after 20min and 4h of surgery. Receiver-Operator characteristic Curve (ROC) was used to find out of the best cut-off value of S. iPTH 20min and 4h after surgery in predicting hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia was noted in 60 (54%) out of 111 subjects who underwent total thyroidectomy. The best cut-off values of Serum iPTH to predict hypocalcemia was found to be 4.28pmol/l at 20min post total thyroidectomy with a sensitivity and specificity of 81.7% and 51%, respectively. In addition, patients with malignancy or central lymph nodal dissection were significantly over-represented in the hypocalcemia group with serum iPTH above the threshold level of 4.28pmol/l. Below the cut off level, parenteral calcium supplementation was required in 23% (17/74) subjects while the rate was only 5.4% (2/37) patients when serum iPTH was above the cut-off level. The decline of serum iPTH below a specific level after surgery has predictive value together with other factors strictly related to patient, the thyroid disease itself and surgery. The risk of development of hypocalcemia and consequent need for calcium supplementation should be evaluated by clinical assessment along with serum PTH measurement.

Tiempo óptimo para medición de paratohormona como predictor de hipocalcemia en pacientes posterior a tiroidectomía total

Introducción. La hipocalcemia posterior a tiroidectomía total es una complicación frecuente en la cirugía de tiroides. La hormona paratiroidea ha demostrado ser un predictor confiable para detectar los pacientes con alto riesgo de hipocalcemia significativa y la consecuente necesidad de administrar suplemento de calcio. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el tiempo óptimo de medición de la paratohormona para dicho fin.&#x0D; Métodos. Estudio prospectivo realizado en dos instituciones de nivel III en Popayán, Colombia, entre abril de 2016 y febrero de 2018, en el cual se midieron niveles de paratohormona prequirúrgico, a las 0, 2, 4 y 12 horas del postoperatorio, y se compararon con los valores obtenidos a los 3 meses de seguimiento en pacientes sometidos a tiroidectomía total. Se consideró como grupos de riesgo y con necesidad de suplemento de calcio un valor de paratohormona menor de 10 pg/ml o una disminución mayor del 80 % con respecto al valor prequirúrgico.&#x0D; Resultados. Se incluyeron 34 pacientes intervenidos. Tomando como umbral un valor menor de 10 pg/ml, la medición de paratohormona a las 4 horas fue sensible y específica (60 y 93,1 % respectivamente). Para una disminución mayor del 80 % con respecto al valor prequirúrgico, la sensibilidad fue del 60 % y la especificidad del 96,5 %, presentando un valor predictivo positivo de 75 % y negativo del 93,3 %, con una p &lt; 0,001.&#x0D; Discusión. Una disminución mayor del 80 % del valor de paratohormona prequirúrgico medida a las 4 horas después de la tiroidectomía total permite identificar aquellos pacientes con alto riesgo de hipocalcemia significativa, que requieren administración temprana de suplementos de calcio, comparado con la determinación de la disminución a las 0, 2 y 12 horas postoperatorias.

Postoperative parathyroid hormone levels as a predictor for persistent hypoparathyroidism.

Hypoparathyroidism is a common complication after thyroidectomy. It is not yet possible to predict in which patients hypoparathyroidism will persist. We aim to determine whether a decrease in PTH levels, measured at the first postoperative day, can identify patients with a high risk for persistent hypoparathyroidism one year after thyroidectomy. Prospective multi-center cohort study. Patients undergoing total or completion thyroidectomy were included. We measured PTH levels preoperatively and on the first postoperative day. Primary outcome is the proportion of patients with persistent hypoparathyroidism, defined as the need for calcium supplementation one year after surgery. We included 110 patients of which 81 were used for analysis of the primary outcome. At discharge 72.8% of patients were treated with calcium supplementation. Persistent hypoparathyroidism was present in 14 patients (17.3%) at one-year follow-up, all of them had a decrease in PTH >70% at the first postoperative day. These 14 were 43.8% of the 32 patients who had such a decrease. In the group of 49 patients (59.8%) without a PTH >70% decrease, none had persistent hypoparathyroidism one year after surgery (P-value <0.001). A decrease of >70% in PTH levels had a sensitivity of 100.0% (95% CI: 85.8-100.0%), a specificity of 73.1% (95% CI: 62.5-83.7%) and an area under the curve of 0.87 (95% CI: 0.79-0.94) to predict the risk for persistent hypoparathyroidism. In our study a decrease in PTH levels of >70% after total or completion thyroidectomy is a reliable predictor for persistent hypoparathyroidism, and this should be confirmed in larger cohorts.

The need to give calcium supplementation after total thyroidectomy.

Background: A prospective study was carried on female patients after total thyroidectomy to assess the need for calcium supplementation after surgery. Aim of work: To assess the need for routine calcium supplementation after total thyroidectomy. Patients and Methods: From 2017 to 2018, a total of 90 female patients with different thyroid disorders were conducted; thyroid cancer or previous neck surgery patients were excluded, neck ultrasound was done. Results: Study shows improvement in the level of serum calcium in the group already on supplementation. On the other hand it shows slight decrease in serum calcium level in the group without supplementation. The statistical analysis showed highly significant relationship between the Ca supplementation and hypocalcemia with P value of less than 0.05 Conclusion: Certain risk factors are associated with post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia. Total thyroidectomy, thyroiditis and routine non calcium supplementation were found to be the main risk factors of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia in the present study.

4-Hour postoperative PTH level predicts hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy in children

BackgroundHypocalcemia occurs frequently after a total thyroidectomy in pediatric patients. Four hour postoperative PTH monitoring predicts the need for calcium supplementation in the adult thyroidectomy population. We evaluated the role of the 4 h postoperative PTH level in determining the need for calcium supplementation after thyroidectomy in the pediatric population. MethodsThis is a retrospective review of children undergoing total thyroidectomy by a single pediatric surgeon from July 2011 through July 2018. Intact PTH obtained four hours postoperatively determined the need for calcium supplementation for patients beginning in November 2014 onward. Serum total calcium levels were monitored concurrently with serum intact PTH levels. Serum calcium levels were followed in our Multispecialty Pediatric Endocrine Surgery clinic within the month following thyroidectomy. ResultsFrom July 2011 through July 2018, there were a total of 56 total thyroidectomies at our institution. Prior to November 2014, all pediatric total thyroidectomies received calcium supplementation per our institutional protocol. Based on ionized calcium levels, 26.3% (5/19) of children developed hypocalcemia. From November 2014 to July 2018, 37 pediatric patients required total thyroidectomies. 29.7% (11/37) had low 4-h postoperative PTH levels. 72.7% (8/11) patients with low 4-h postoperative PTH levels had corresponding postoperative day 1 total calcium levels less than 8.5 or ionized calcium levels less than 1.12, and five children (45.5%) developed symptomatic hypocalcemia. 70% (26/37) of children had normal 4-h postop PTH levels, with only 5 (19%) ever developing hypocalcemia. No patients with a normal postop PTH level developed symptomatic hypocalcemia or required IV calcium repletion. A single 4-h postoperative PTH <10 pg/dl for identifying hypocalcemia has a sensitivity of 81% and specificity of 91%, with AUC 0.81. ConclusionThe 4-h postoperative serum PTH level can help determine the need for calcium supplementation in pediatric patients undergoing total thyroidectomy, thereby reducing unnecessary calcium supplementation and serial lab draws to monitor for postoperative hypocalcemia. Level of evidenceLevel II.

Calcium supplementation in CVVH using regional citrate anticoagulation.

Calcium supplementation is one of the most important factors in maintaining the safety and efficacy of regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) during continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). The aims of this study were to assess the determinants of calcium requirements in RCA-CVVH and to simplify the calcium supplementation approach. Our study consisted of two parts. The first part was a discovery phase to determine the key factors of calcium supplementation. Twenty critically ill patients who required RCA-CVVH were enrolled in this part. Systemic citrate, total calcium, protein-bound calcium, and ionized calcium concentrations were serially measured using the traditional RCA protocol. A two-phase calcium supplementation protocol was then proposed, and algorithms were developed for calcium supplementation. The second part of the study was the validation phase. Another 97 critically ill patients were enrolled and were treated with RCA-CVVH using the new version of the calcium supplementation protocol. The loss of calcium flux in the extracorporeal circuit and the increase in citrate-calcium complexes in vivo were the main determinants of the required calcium supplementation. In the CVVH mode, the rate of calcium infusion had to be reduced after systemic citrate level reached a steady state. With the aid of mathematical models, systemic calcium levels could be stably maintained in the normal range, and the frequencies of calcium monitoring were reduced. Calcium supplementation during RCA-CVVH undergoes two phases. We propose mathematical models to quantify the need for calcium supplementation, which enable individualization of the RCA prescription and simplify the management of RCA in the CVVH mode.

G206(P) Recognising the risk factors: missed opportunities to prevent rickets

Aim Implementing the NICE guidance published in November 2014 for vitamin D supplementation of at-risk groups, including all children under-five years of age, would help reduce childhood rickets due to Vitamin D deficiency. Whilst awareness of Vitamin D is increasing, we often assume that UK infants have sufficient calcium dietary intake. This case series highlights rickets arising when insufficient dietary calcium compounds the effects of insufficient Vitamin D. Methods We reviewed case-notes, biochemical and radiological data of four children diagnosed with rickets at our hospital during the past 18 months. Results One child presented aged seven months with seizures. She had a prolonged corrected QT interval secondary to profound hypocalcaemia (corrected calcium 1.49 mmol/L), and vitamin D Deficiency (vitamin D Conclusion This series illustrates commonly recognised risk factors for rickets, namely skin pigmentation, exclusive and prolonged breastfeeding, and the lack of Vitamin D supplementation. Undoubtedly the lack of vitamin D was contributory to the development of rickets and appropriate supplementation could have minimised the adverse skeletal effects. These cases also highlight that a calcium-deplete diet is an additive risk factor for the development of rickets. Infants with cow’s milk protein allergy comprise a clinical group in whom it is important to consider the need for calcium supplementation alongside Vitamin D.

A Single Parathyroid Hormone Level Obtained 4 Hours after Total Thyroidectomy Predicts the Need for Postoperative Calcium Supplementation

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels after total thyroidectomy have been shown to predict the development of symptomatic hypocalcemia and the need for calcium supplementation. This study aimed to determine whether a PTH level drawn 4 hours postoperatively is as effective as a level drawn on postoperative day 1 (POD1) in predicting this need. This is a single-institution retrospective review of 4-hour and POD1 PTH levels in patients who underwent total thyroidectomy from January 2012 to September 2012. If POD1 PTH was ≥10 pg/mL, patients did not routinely receive supplementation; if PTH was <10 pg/mL, patients received oral calcium with or without calcitriol. Of 77 patients, 20 (26%) had a 4-hour PTH <10 pg/mL; 18 (90%) of these patients had a POD1 PTH <10 pg/mL. No patient with a 4-hour PTH ≥10 pg/mL had a POD1 PTH <10 pg/mL. All 18 patients with POD1 PTH <10 pg/mL received calcium supplementation. Three additional patients received supplementation due to reported symptoms or surgeon preference. A 4-hour PTH ≥10 pg/mL compared with a POD1 PTH had a similar ability to predict which patients would not need calcium supplementation; sensitivity was 98% vs 98%, specificity was 90% vs 86%, and and negative predictive value was 95% vs 95%. Of 21 patients who received supplementation, 13 (62%) also received calcitriol, including 9 patients (69%) with a 4-hour PTH <6 pg/mL. A single PTH level obtained 4 hours after total thyroidectomy that is ≥10 pg/mL accurately identifies patients who do not need calcium supplementation or additional monitoring of serum calcium levels. Same-day discharge, if deemed safe, can be accomplished with or without calcium supplementation based on the 4-hour PTH level. Greater consideration should be given to calcitriol supplementation in patients with a 4-hour PTH <6 pg/mL.

The calcium–phosphate balance, modulation of thyroid autoimmune processes and other adverse effects connected with thyroid arterial embolization

In search of new treatment options for thyroid diseases, when conventional procedures are ineffective, contraindicated or associated with serious side effects, safety of thyroid arteries embolization in the treatment of particular thyroid diseases was evaluated. The study included eight subjects with retrosternal toxic goiter, six patients affected by Graves’ disease, five cases of retrosternal non-toxic goiter, two subjects with post-amiodarone hyperthyroidism, and one patient with severe thyroid-related orbitopathy, who underwent selective embolization of thyroid arteries. The study assessed and compared calcium–phosphate balance, modulation of thyroid autoimmunity and the presence of different side effects in patients who underwent the procedure. In addition, the serum concentrations of thyroid hormones, anti-thyroid autoantibodies and thyroid volume have been measured. Five of all enrolled subjects (22.7 %) experienced transient, not clinically relevant hypocalcaemia with no need for calcium supplementation. There were no significant changes in serum calcium levels in patients after embolization of both inferior thyroid arteries. The transient side effects associated with the treatment were neck pain and a slight increase in body temperature. Noted high concentration of free thyroid hormones immediately after the procedure was not accompanied by worsening of symptoms or signs of thyrotoxicosis. In patients with Graves’ disease, a significant decrease in thyrotropin receptor antibodies level was observed. Thyroid arterial embolization does not disturb permanently calcium–phosphate balance, modulates positively thyroid autoimmune processes and is associated with no serious post-procedure side effects. Hence, it may be considered as a safe and effective treatment modality for selected thyroid disorders.

The Role of Calcium Correction during Normal Pregnancy at Third Trimester in Mosul.

To assess calcium status in healthy pregnant women during limited sun exposure time in winter, and to demonstrate the possible effect of serum albumin alterations on serum total calcium level and the role of albumin adjusted calcium concentration. Subjects enrolled in the study included 160 apparently healthy women divided equally into four groups (I - IV), group I was considered as the control group, composed of non-pregnant women. Groups II-IV were composed of pregnant women in the first, second and third trimesters respectively. Semiquantitative urine protein determination and measurement of serum total calcium, ionized calcium, albumin, phosphorous and creatinine with calculation of corrected calcium were performed in all groups. The results were statistically evaluated by standard statistical methods. There was no significant difference in serum ionized calcium, corrected calcium and phosphorous during pregnancy. However, there was a significant reduction of serum total calcium, albumin and creatinine in pregnant women at second and third trimesters. In each group, a significant positive correlation was observed between total calcium with corrected and ionized calcium. In healthy pregnant women even during limited sun exposure time in winter, there was no need for calcium supplementation in spite of the continuous and progressive reduction of serum measured total calcium during the second and third trimesters due to dilutional hypoalbuminemia. During pregnancy, measured calcium is parallel to both corrected and ionized calcium and since there was no significant difference between measured and corrected calcium, therefore, measured calcium is a useful test in assessing calcium status and suggests the need to establish a reference range for pregnant women.