Perioperative management of a patient with primary hypoparathyroidism and severe hypocalcaemia for lumbar spine surgery

Abstract

Primary hypoparathyroidism and consequent hypocalcaemia in the absence of iatrogenic cause are a rare entity. Serum ionised calcium concentrations < 0.50 mmol l−1 are more frequently associated with life-threatening complications and constitute a medical emergency that necessitates intravenous calcium therapy. The anaesthesiologist should carefully look for the effects of hypocalcaemia on the heart, circulation, muscle power and blood coagulation. We report perioperative management of a case of hypoparathyroidism and associated hypocalcaemia posted for lumbar discectomy in prone position and its anaesthetic implications.

Keywords

• anaesthesia
• hypocalcaemia
• life-threatening complications
• primary hypoparathyroidism
• spine surgery