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.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1362-1366 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Laryngoscope |
Volume | 115 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 2005 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Otorhinolaryngology