Hypocalcemia Following Total Thyroidectomy in Patients with Hyperthyroidism

Abstract

Background: Post-total thyroidectomy hypocalcemia is a common complication with low calcium levels after thyroid removal. In the present study, it was aimed to investigate the frequency of hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy, the associated factors, and the results of vitamin D (Vit D) and calcium supplements applied to patients with hyperthyroidism. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 49 patients with hyperthyroidism referred to Razi hospital, Rasht, Iran, in 2022. The patients’ demographical data and clinical characteristics, level of Vit D before and after surgery, level of parathyroid hormone (PTH) after surgery, and presence or absence of hypocalcemia following surgery were recorded, and all data were analyzed using SPSS 22, considering a significant level of<0.05. Results: Out of 49 patients, 20 had hypocalcemia after surgery. The mean age of patients with hypocalcemia was 45.85±12.26 years, and most of them were women. The results demonstrated that among the studied variables, only Vit D deficiency had a significant association with hypocalcemia (P<0.05), implying that patients with hypocalcemia represented lower levels of Vit D. Conclusion: Our results revealed that hypocalcemia occurs in patients with hyperthyroidism unrelated to parathyroid damage. In this regard, specialists should consider available clinical management for these patients to reduce the incidence of hypocalcemia by applying prophylaxis supplements, especially for women.

Keywords

• hypocalcemia
• hyperthyroidism
• total thyroidectomy