Perioperative parathyroid hormone assay for diagnosis and management of postthyroidectomy hypocalcemia.

Publication/Presentation Date

8-1-2005

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between perioperative changes in parathyroid hormone (PTH) level and the likelihood of postthyroidectomy hypocalcemia.

STUDY DESIGN: In a series of 78 patients undergoing total or completion thyroidectomy, PTH levels were measured before surgery and at 10 minutes after removal of the thyroid gland.

METHODS: A prospective, nonrandomized collection of serum from 78 consecutive total or completion thyroidectomy procedures performed by a single surgeon was carried out over 18 months. Analysis is made of PTH levels, serum calcium values, need for calcium supplementation, and symptoms of hypocalcemia.

RESULTS: Both a PTH change of 75% and an absolute postoperative PTH of 7 pg/mL are accurate standards for predicting symptomatic hypocalcemia after total or completion thyroid surgery.

CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative PTH levels are a tool for the prediction of postoperative symptomatic hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy. A PTH level drawn 10 minutes after removal of the thyroid predicts the likelihood of postoperative hypocalcemia.

Volume

115

Issue

8

First Page

1362

Last Page

1366

ISSN

0023-852X

Disciplines

Community Health and Preventive Medicine | Health Services Research | Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

16094105

Department(s)

Department of Community Health and Health Studies

Document Type

Article

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