Predictor Of Hypocalcemia Research Articles

Predictors of hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism in patients undergoing thyroidectomy for benign and malignant pathologies

Objective To analyse the risk factors of hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy. Methods Clinical data of patients who underwent total thyroidectomy in a tertiary care hospital from the southern part of India was collected retrospectively from January 2021 to May 2023. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyse the risk factors associated with transient hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia separately. Results A total of 300 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy were enrolled. The median age of the study population was 41 years, and 70% were females. Histopathological examination showed 80.3% had thyroid cancer. The incidence of postoperative transient hypoparathyroidism was 26.7%, while postoperative transient hypocalcemia was 12.3%. Multivariate analysis showed that presence of hypothyroidism before surgery (OR 3.230,95%CI:1.368–7.624,p=0.007), performing central compartment neck dissection (CCND) (OR 2.196,95%CI:1.133-4.257,p=0.02) and parathyroid gland in surgical specimen (OR 5.547, 95%CI:3.065–10.036,p<0.0001) were independent predictors of postoperative transient hypoparathyroidism. Female gender (OR 2.689,95%CI:1.049-6.895,p= 0.039), presence of parathyroid in the surgical specimen (OR 1.067,95%CI:0.367-8.438,p=0.004) and performing CCND (OR 2.192,95%CI:0.990-4.850,p=0.05) were independent predictors of postoperative transient hypocalcemia. Conclusion Hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia after thyroid surgery are common, and most of them are transient. Independent predictors of hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia differs. Hypoparathyroidism appears to be a better predictor for patients who will develop postoperative hypocalcemia.

Incidence and predictors of hypocalcemia in end-stage renal disease patients on denosumab therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Incidence and predictors of hypocalcemia in end-stage renal disease patients on denosumab therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Post-Thyroidectomy Hypocalcemia: Incidence, Prediction, and Outpatient Management Strategies Based on PTH and Calcium Levels

PTH measurement has been proposed to predict transient and permanent postoperative hypocalcemia. There is no standard cut-off point or time for sampling. To report the incidence of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia in a high-volume surgical group and propose an outpatient management protocol according to postoperative (PO) calcium levels, iPTH (normal, low, or undetectable), and symptoms. Furthermore, determine postoperative PTH values as predictors of hypocalcemia. In 106 patients with total thyroidectomy between 2019 and 2021, pre-and postoperative levels of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iPTH were measured. Transient (< 12 months) and permanent (> 12 months) hypocalcemia was observed in 29% and 1%. Cut-off points to predict hypocalcemia were PTH < 8.8 pg/mL and < 80% decrease in % PTH (d% PTH) the day after surgery. With the proposed management, early discharge is indicated (an average of 1.05 days), and the prescription cost is limited. There is no significant association between PO hypomagnesemia and hyperphosphatemia with PO hypocalcemia. The most widely used treatment is exclusive calcium carbonate (schemes I and II). Patients remain with mild symptoms at two weeks PO in 5% and discontinue oral treatment in 93% in this period. Protocols for measuring PTH as a hypocalcemia predictor vary. Each center must know and establish its management protocols. With this experience, we demonstrate the usefulness and safety of a management scheme based on calcium, PTH (normal, low, or undetectable), and symptoms with an indication of prophylactic treatment for all patients and a safe outpatient setting at a lower cost than prolonged hospitalization.

Early postoperative PTH level following total thyroidectomy as a predictor of hypocalcemia: a single center-based study in Bangladesh

Background: Assessment of parathyroid hormone (PTH) following thyroid surgery assists in the prediction of hypocalcemia and permits early intervention and therapy with oral calcium and/or vitamin D supplements.&#x0D; Methods: This retrospective analysis comprised 141 individuals who had undergone a total or completion thyroidectomy over the previous four years. The blood PTH level was measured 3 hours after surgery to determine its change and to predict hypocalcemia.&#x0D; Results: Patients were predominately female (75.2%), and the mean age was 48.73 ± 13.44 years. The main surgical procedure was total thyroidectomy (80.14%), and the main cause for surgery was a multinodular goiter (34.04%). A comparable number of patients with each type of thyroid disease (multinodular goiter, papillary thyroid cancer, thyroiditis, Graves’ disease or toxic multinodular goiter were enrolled. Three hours after surgery 93 patients (65.95%) had serum PTH levels of &gt;10 pg/ml (mean 28.06) and 90 patients (68.38%) had normal serum calcium (mean 8.66). Most of these 93 patients (65.95%) didn't require postoperative supplementation, whereas 48 patients (34.05 %) with serum PTH levels less than 10 pg/ml required some form of supplementation; 39 (27.65 %) required both oral calcium and vitamin D supplements, and 9 (6.4 %) required only oral vitamin D supplementation. There was a significant correlation between the 3-h postoperative PTH level and hypocalcemia (P-value 0.000). The type of pathology had no significant association with low serum PTH level after surgery (P-value 0.166).&#x0D; Conclusion: Asymptotic individuals with PTH levels less than 10 pg/ml, who are regarded as being in the high-risk category, can start taking calcium and/or vitamin D supplements early if their PTH levels are measured at 3 hours following complete thyroidectomy. To predict hypocalcemia, more research is required to compare the outcome of early serum PTH level with the day one serum PTH level following complete thyroidectomy.&#x0D; Central Medical College Journal Vol 6 No 2 Jauly 2022 Page: 82-89

Serum PTH at 4h after total thyroidectomy as a predictor of hypocalcemia: a prospective time frame analysis in search of evidence.

There has not been a universal agreement about the timings and the threshold level of PTH that can accurately predict the risk of hypocalcemia. Our study aimed to investigate the changes in the serum PTH levels at various time intervals and correlate it with the development of subsequent hypocalcemia. All patients had a pre-operative serum PTH done and were again assessed intra-operatively, at 4h, 24h, 72h, and 1month after the thyroid surgery. Absolute serum PTH value at various time points, absolute change in serum PTH values compared to pre-operative level, and relative change (percentage change) in serum PTH values compared with pre-operative levels were used to predict post-operative Hypocalcemia. 49 patients were included in the study. The sensitivity and negative predictive value was 100% for serum PTH at 4h. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups that required calcium supplementation versus the group that did not require it. The maximum relative reduction in serum PTH value with respect to the pre-operative level occurred at 4h in the calcium supplement required group which was 82.5%. Use of combination of 4h serum PTH and relative change at 4h yielded the best results. A combination of absolute serum PTH level at 4h and the relative decline in serum PTH at 4h has the highest diagnostic accuracy. The use of this combined parameter helps to reliably predict patients who would require supplementation.

Serum Parathyroid Hormone and Vitamin D Levels as Predictors of Hypocalcemia after Total/ Near Total Thyroidectomy

Background: Post-operative Hypocalcaemia is the most-common complication of total and near-total thyroidectomy which is a selective treatment for benign and malignant thyroid diseases. Incidence ranges from 0.5-50%. Objectives: The role of vitamin-D and Parathyroid hormone(PTH) in incidence of Hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy has been taken into consideration. Methods: This is a prospective interventional study is conducted in Kasturba Medical College and hospital, Manipal after taking written informed consent from the participants. It aimed at surveying the serum level of preoperative Vitamin D, PTH and calcium before total-thyroidectomy surgery and its relationship with the incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia after the surgery. The study was done on 70 patients who were-planned for total/near total thyroidectomy. Preoperative Vitamin D, PTH, calcium and Postoperative 4 hours-PTH, Calcium were measured on POD-1, POD-2-4, the results obtained were then analysed. Results: Considering the cut-off of calcium as 8.6mg/dl, 42 patients developed hypocalcemia on POD-1, 28 patients on POD-2. Preoperative calcium and postoperative PTH levels in people having hypocalcaemia where significantly less compared to the patients having normal calcium. 4-hours post-operative PTH measurements showed 51% sensitivity, 100% specificity and strong co-relation between postoperative hypocalcemia and drop in PTH levels- (p=<0.001). Out of 42 patients who developed hypocalcemia 28- (65%) patients had vitamin-D deficiency(p=0.5) on POD-1 and out of 51 patients with hypocalcemia on POD 2-4, 33(78%) had-vitamin-D-deficiency(p=0.3852). Which was not statically significant. Conclusion:4 hours post-operative PTH level is a predictor of early postoperative hypocalcemia, by detecting this we can effectively manage postoperative hypocalcemia

Early Hypocalcemia in Severe Trauma: An Independent Risk Factor for Coagulopathy and Massive Transfusion.

The rapid identification of patients at risk for massive blood transfusion is of paramount importance as uncontrolled exsanguination may lead to death within 2 to 6 h. The aim of this study was to analyze a cohort of severe trauma patients to identify risk factors associated with massive transfusion requirements and hypocalcemia. All major trauma (ISS &gt; 16) presented directly from the scene to the Niguarda hospital between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2021 were analyzed. A total of 798 patients were eligible out of 1586 screened. Demographic data showed no significant difference between hypocalcemic (HC) and normocalcemic (NC) patients except for the presence of crush trauma, alcohol intake (27% vs. 15%, p &lt; 0.01), and injury severity score (odds ratio 1.03, p = 0.03). ISS was higher in the HC group and was an independent, even if weak, predictor of hypocalcemia (odds ratio 1.03, p = 0.03). Prehospital data showed a lower mean systolic arterial pressure (SAP) and a higher heart rate (HR) in the HC group (105 vs. 127, p &lt; 0.01; 100 vs. 92, p &lt; 0.001, respectively), resulting in a higher shock index (SI) (1.1 vs. 0.8, p &lt; 0.001). Only retrospective studies such as ours are available, and while hypocalcemia seems to be an independent predictor of mortality and massive transfusion, there is not enough evidence to support causation. Therefore, randomized prospective studies are suggested.

Prevalence and Predictors of Hypocalcaemia among Adolescent Girls in Rural Public Secondary Schools in South-South Nigeria.

Adolescent girls are at risk of developing skeletal inadequacy due to an imbalance between calcium intake and high requirements of calcium during this period of increased modeling and skeletal consolidation. This study assessed the prevalence and predictors of hypocalcaemia among adolescent girls in rural public secondary schools in south-south Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study conducted to assess the prevalence and predictors of hypocalcaemia among 238 adolescent girls selected by a multi-stage sampling technique. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire which was interviewer-administered. Descriptive and inferential analysis of data collected was carried out using the IBM SPSS version 22 software. Over half (53.3%) and 75.2% of the participants were in their late adolescence period (17-19 years) and belonged to the lower social class level. Over one-quarter (30.7%) of the participants had hypocalcaemia. Participants who were in their mid-adolescence period (14-16 years) (OR= 2.38; 95% CI: 1.23-4.57), who skipped lunch (OR= 2.92; 95% CI: 1.35-6.34), who skipped breakfast (OR= 3.60; 95% CI: 1.65-7.83) and were in senior secondary 1 class (OR= 4.76; 95% CI: 1.21-18.75) had 2, 3, 4, and 5 times higher likelihood respectively of having hypocalcaemia. Participants who consume milk daily, who consume milk weekly and who had normal weight had 81.0%, 60.0% and 72.0% decreased odds respectively of having hypocalcaemia. The study brings to the fore a high prevalence of hypocalcaemia among the participants. Educational interventions targeted at parents to support adolescent girls to take calcium-supplements and calcium-rich meals should be implemented.

PTH after Thyroidectomy as a Predictor of Post-Operative Hypocalcemia.

Post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia is a frequent complication with significant morbidity, and has been shown to increase hospital stay and readmission rates. The evaluation of serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels after thyroidectomy represents a reliable method to predict post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia, but it remains infrequently used. This retrospective study investigates serum PTH values 3 h after thyroidectomy as a predictor of hypocalcemia. In this study, we enrolled 141 patients aged between 27 and 71 years eligible for total thyroidectomy who presented with multinodular goiter, suspicious nodule on cytological examination, Graves’ disease, or toxic multinodular goiter. Three hours after total thyroidectomy, 53 patients (37.6%) showed a reduction in serum PTH. Of these patients 75.5% developed hypocalcemia by 24 h after surgery and 100% were hypocalcemic after 48 h (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference attributable to the different thyroid diseases, nor to the age of the patients. PTH at 3 h after total thyroidectomy accurately predicts post-operative hypocalcemia. The early detection of patients at risk of developing post-operative hypocalcemia allows for prompt supplementation of calcium and Vitamin D in order to prevent symptoms and allows for a safe and timely discharge.

PTH Gradient as a Predictor of Post Thyroidectomy Hypocalcemia.

Background:Post thyroidectomy hypocalcemia is a common complication. Post thyroidectomy PTH estimation at varying cut offs and time have been used to predict hypocalcemia and aid in early and safe discharge. Single post thyroidectomy PTH values may be spuriously normal or high in a patient that subsequently develops unanticipated low calcium levels. This study aimed to evaluate the percentage change in preoperative and postoperative PTH (Gradient) in predicting post thyroidectomy hypocalcemia.Methods:Forty-one patients of thyroidectomy had PTH preoperatively, postoperatively one-hour (PTH0) and day 1 (PTH1). PTH gradient was calculated as percentage change in postoperative PTH to preoperative (PTHG0, PTHG1). Hypocalcemia was categorized into mild or severe based on corrected calcium values and presence of clinical signs and/or symptoms of hypocalcemia.Results:Ten (24.3%) and 11 (26.8%) patients had mild and severe hypocalcemia, respectively. PTHG0 and PTHG1 were significantly associated with risk for hypocalcemia (P-0.006 vs P-0.002). Higher PTH0 and PTH1 gradients were significantly associated with risk of hypocalcemia (PTH0 gradient OR-0.006, 95% CI 0.00–0.175, P-0.006; PTH1 gradient OR- 0.008, 95% CI 0.00–0.166, P-0.002). PTH0 gradient was the best predictor of hypocalcemia (AUC 0.855, SE-0.065, 95% CI0.710 to 0.945, P value <0.001) and PTH1 value was a better predictor of severe/clinical hypocalcemia (AUC 0.844, SE-0.072, 95% CI 0.697 to 0.938, P- value-0.001). Based on ROC, cutoffs of PTH0 gradient and PTH1 gradient for predicting hypocalcemia and severe/clinical hypocalcemia were taken as 60% and 75%, respectively (sensitivity 70%, specificity 90.5% for hypocalcemia; sensitivity 65%, specificity 90.9% for severe hypocalcemia).Conclusion:PTH gradient may be a better predictor of hypocalcemia and PTH1 gradient of >75% correlates with high risk of severe/clinical post thyroidectomy hypocalcemia.

Development and validation of a new model for predicting hypocalcaemia after total thyroidectomy: the NuGra model

Hypocalcaemia is the most frequent complication after total thyroidectomy. Finding a method for its early detection has become a priority. A single-center prospective cohort study was conducted to identify risk factors for postoperative hypocalcaemia, develop an early detection model, and test its validity in a different group of patients. The sample was composed of patients who underwent a total thyroidectomy between May 2012 and September 2015. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and surgical data were collected. The incidence of hypocalcaemia and permanent hypoparathyroidism was calculated. Bivariate and multivariate analysis identified several independent predictors of hypocalcaemia, which were used to design a predictive model. The validity of the model was subsequently tested in a different cohort. Area under the ROC curve (AUROC) was calculated to determine its predictive power. The study and validation groups included 352 and 118 patients, respectively. Seventy-three patients developed laboratory-confirmed hypocalcaemia (20.7%), and symptomatic in 43 (12.2%). Multivariate analysis confirmed as independent predictors of hypocalcaemia the higher number of parathyroid glands identified [OR 1.41(0.98, 2.02); p = 0.063] and pre-to-postoperative gradient of parathormone decline [OR 1.06(1.04, 1.08); p < 0.001]. Based on these variables, the NuGra (Number of parathyroid glands identified-Gradient of decline) model was developed for predicting laboratory-confirmed hypocalcaemia. Its predictive power was high (AUROC 0.902, CI 0.857-0.947) for the study and the validation group (AUROC 0.956, CI 0.919-0.993). A higher number of parathyroid glands identified and a higher gradient of parathormone decline are risk factors for post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia. The NuGra model is useful for early prediction of individual risk for hypocalcaemia.

Prevalence and predictors of hypocalcaemia in severe acute malnutrition.

To determine the prevalence and predictors of hypocalcaemia in under-five children (1-59months) hospitalised with severe acute malnutrition (SAM). A cross-sectional study was designed to determine the prevalence of hypocalcaemia among children hospitalised with SAM. Serum Ca and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-(OH)D) were estimated. Hypocalcaemia was defined as serum Ca (albumin-adjusted) <2·12mmol/l. To identify the clinical predictors of hypocalcaemia, a logistic regression model was constructed taking hypocalcaemia as a dependent variable, and sociodemographic and clinical variables as independent variables. A tertiary care hospital in Delhi, between November 2017 and April 2019. One-hundred and fifty children (1-59 months) hospitalised with SAM were enrolled. Hypocalcaemia was documented in thirty-nine (26 %) children hospitalised with SAM, the prevalence being comparable between children aged <6 months (11/41, 26·8 %) and those between 6 and 59 months (28/109, 25·7 %) (P = 0·887). Vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-(OH)D <30nmol/l) and clinical rickets were observed in ninety-eight (65·3 %) and sixty-three (42 %) children, respectively. Hypocalcaemia occurred more frequently in severely malnourished children with clinical rickets (OR 6·6, 95 % CI 2·54, 17·15, P < 0·001), abdominal distension (OR 4·5, 95 % CI 1·39, 14·54, P = 0·012) and sepsis (OR 2·6, 95 % CI 1·00, 6·57, P = 0·050). Rickets and hypocalcaemia are common in children with SAM. Routine supplementation of vitamin D should be considered for severely malnourished children. Ca may be empirically prescribed to severely malnourished children with clinical rickets, abdominal distension and/or sepsis.

Identifying early postoperative serum parathyroid hormone levels as predictors of hypocalcaemia after total thyroidectomy: A prospective non-randomized study.

There is no clear cut-off value of serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) or calcium in which patients are at risk for hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy. We evaluated the usefulness of serum calcium and PTH concentration measurements after total thyroidectomy in predicting late-occurring hypocalcemia. A prospective, single-center, non-randomized longitudinal cohort study of 143 patients undergoing thyroidectomy between August 2019 and December 2019 with serum calcium and PTH levels sampled 1 h after surgery and on the first and fifth postoperative day. Hypocalcemia was defined as serum calcium levels < 2.14 mmol/L regardless of clinical symptoms. Normal PTH range was 1.6-6.9 pmol/L. The primary outcome measure was presence of hypocalcemia on the first and fifth postoperative day, analyzed by a logistic regression model. The PTH cut-off value for prediction of hypocalcemia was identified using a ROC curve comparing all three time points using the Youden J index. Out of 143 patients, 52 (36.4%) had hypocalcemia on the fifth postoperative day. Advanced age, concomitant neck dissection and serum PTH levels < 2.9 pmol/L 1 h after surgery and on the first postoperative surgery day were associated with a high risk of hypocalcemia on the first and fifth postoperative day and need for higher doses of calcium supplements (P < 0.0001, AUC 0.748, 95% CI 0.669-0.817, with 76.92% sensitivity and 71.43% specificity). Serum PTH level measured immediately postoperatively and on the first postoperative day is a reliable predictor of postoperative hypocalcemia with important clinical implications.

Use of parathormone as a predictor of hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy.

Post-operative hypoparathyroidism is the most frequent complication after total thyroidectomy. It represents one of the main causes of prolonged hospital-stay and is associated with a significant increase in health costs. The identification of patients with higher risk of suffering this complication allows early treatment, reduces clinical complications and adequate the use of health resources. Throughout history, several predictors have been used to stratify patients at risk. In recent years the use of parathormone parathyroid hormone (PTH) has taken particular interest. To review the existing literature on the use of PTH as a predictor of hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy. A medline search was performed. We reviewed the existing evidence on efficacy of PTH as a predictor of post-operative hypocalcemia, economic impact, optimal time for sampling and implementation mode. The use of PTH predicts with adequate sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive value the risk for the patients to suffer post-operative hypocalcemia. Cut-off values and sampling number and time vary among authors; as a result, more data is needed to reach a conclusion about the standardization of use after a total thyroidectomy procedure. It use could be beneficial not only for patients but also for care providers as health cost might be diminished.

Predictors of Hypocalcemia in Patients Undergoing Parathyroidectomy with the Diagnosis of Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Predictors of Hypocalcemia in Patients Undergoing Parathyroidectomy with the Diagnosis of Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Cinacalcet-induced hypocalcemia in a cohort of European haemodialysis patients: predictors, therapeutic approaches and outcomes

BackgroundCalcimimetic treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic dialysis patients is often followed by hypocalcemia.MethodsWe investigated the frequency, predictors, consequences and therapeutic responses following cinacalcet-induced hypocalcemia in an incident European hemodialysis cohort of 1068 patients with a cinacalcet prescription.ResultsOf 905 normocalcemic patients initiating cinacalcet, 67% developed hypocalcemia within 12 months: 68% mild, 23% moderate, 9% severe. Compared to persistently normocalcemic patients, those with severe hypocalcemia were more often diabetic, overweight, had cardiovascular disease, shorter dialysis vintage, used a catheter dialysis access, had fewer active vitamin-D sterols, and exhibited higher CRP and iPTH and lower calcium levels. Multivariate predictors of hypocalcemia included a catheter for vascular access, low albumin and high iPTH. Generally, no therapeutic intervention to prevent hypocalcemia was taken prior to cinacalcet initiation. After the hypocalcemic event, the most common clinical response was no change of the dialysis or medical regimen. Following the hypocalcemic event, iPTH remained low even in those with severe hypocalcemia. The number of deaths and cardiovascular events did not differ between patients with and without hypocalcemia within six months following cinacalcet initiation.ConclusionTwo-thirds of cinacalcet initiated patients experienced hypocalcaemia with 9% being severe. Hypocalcemia was mostly asymptomatic, transient (with and without targeted intervention to correct it) and not associated with an increase in cardiovascular events or deaths.

Cost-effectiveness in transient hypocalcemia post-thyroidectomy.

Three different strategies to manage transient hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy were compared to evaluate cost-effectiveness. The reliability of total serum calcium (TSCa), ionized calcium (ICa), and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) were investigated to achieve this goal. A multicenter, prospective randomized study was carried out with 169 patients. The strategies were "preventive" (oral calcium + vitamin D supplementation), "reactive" (therapy in hypocalcemia), and "predictive" (therapy if iPTH <10 pg/mL). TSCa had higher accuracy in identifying patients who developed hypocalcemia-related symptoms than ICa (84.6% vs 50.0%). TSCa 24 h after surgery showed 24.8% of patients with hypocalcemia, whereas TSCa 48 h after surgery identified a further 10.6% with hypocalcemia (only in the "reactive" and "predictive" groups). iPTH showed low sensitivity as a predictor of hypocalcemia. Between the 3 groups, there was no significant difference in hospitalization time or number of symptomatic hypocalcemic patients. Interestingly, the cost-per-patient was significantly different among the groups. None of the discussed strategies allowed for early discharge of patients without any risk of transient hypocalcemia. The "preventive" strategy was the most cost-effective, despite overtreatment.

The incidence of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia: a retrospective single-centre audit.

The aim of this single centre retrospective observational record-based audit was to assess the incidence of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia. The setting was a district general hospital in Hertfordshire covering a population of 500,000 people. A total of 196 patients who had had total or completion thyroidectomy during a five-year period were included in the study. The primary outcome measure was to determine the rate of biochemical and symptomatic hypocalcaemia in patients undergoing total or completion thyroidectomy. Secondary outcome measures assessed time taken for biochemical and clinical hypocalcaemia to resolve, whether malignancy affected the rate of hypocalcaemia and if removal of parathyroid glands during surgery were a predictor of hypocalcaemia. The overall incidence of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia (PTHC) within 24 hours was 21.4%. The incidence increased from 6 hours (13.8%) to 24 hours post-thyroidectomy (15.8%) and there was evidence of both transient and delayed PTHC within the first 24 hours. By 6 months post-surgery, 3.6% remained hypocalcaemic and required continual oral supplementation. Patients with benign thyroid disease had a higher risk of PTHC (P = 0.04) and patients younger than 50 years of age had a higher risk of symptomatic hypocalcaemia (P = 0.016). Other clinical factors including sex, type of surgery, neck dissection, oral calcium and/or vitamin D supplementation and inadvertent histological parathyroid gland excision were not associated with an increased incidence of PTHC or symptomatic hypocalcaemia. Our audit shows that the rate of PTHC within our population was below the national average with higher risk in benign thyroid disease.

Predictors of Hypocalcaemia In Post Thyroidectomy Patients

Thyroid disorders and surgical management for thyroid disorders are more common in any surgeons day to day life. In this modern medical era for every 3 hours one paper was presented about thyroid disorders

Hypocalcaemia and its contributing factors among first trimester pregnant women in an urban area in Malaysia

Purpose The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of hypocalcaemia among first-trimester pregnant women and its contributing factors. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional study was carried out among first-trimester pregnant women who were recruited during their first antenatal visit. A total of 396 respondents of age 18-40 years completed the self-administered questionnaire (socio-demographic, socio-economic, obstetric information), validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire for calcium (FFQ-calcium), anthropometric measurements (weight and height) and blood test for serum calcium during their first trimester. Findings The prevalence of hypocalcaemia based on serum calcium level of less than 2.11 mmol/L was 26.0 per cent (n = 103). The median serum calcium level was 2.2 mmol/L (IQR, 25th and 75th percentile – 2.1 and 2.3, respectively). Milk intake of less than two glasses per day during pregnancy showed a twofold increase in developing hypocalcaemia (OR, 2.231; 95 per cent CI, 1.399, 3.588). Other than that, underweight (aOR, 2.038; 95 per cent SK, 1.088, 3.820) and obese before pregnancy (aOR, 1.954; 95 per cent SK, 1.007, 3.790) are also predictors of hypocalcaemia. Originality/value The prevalence of hypocalcaemia among first-trimester pregnant women in this study was 26.0 per cent. Intake of two or more glasses of milk per day can help prevent hypocalcaemia at this stage of pregnancy.