Randomized study on oral administration of calcitriol to prevent symptomatic hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy

Impact of oral administration of calcitriol to prevent symptomatic hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy: Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

One of the most common complications of total thyroidectomy is post-operative transient or persistent hypoparathyroidism that can cause symptomatic hypocalcaemia. To prevent this complication, shorten the period of hospitalization and reduce morbidity, routine supplementation of oral vitamin D and calcium has been suggested. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to critically assess the association between pre-operative calcitriol supplementation and post-operative hypocalcaemia.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trial studies were identified by searching PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases up to 30 March 2023. Screening of titles, abstracts, and full texts of articles were performed, and data were extracted for a meta-analysis.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis includes data from nine randomized controlled trials with a total of 1259 patients but with significant heterogeneity. The results demonstrate that calcium levels were higher in patients who had pre-operative calcitriol supplementation, with a weighted mean difference (WMD) 0.18 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.00, 0.37). Pre-operative calcitriol supplementation did not lead to significant changes in parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, with WMD -0.49 (95% CI: -1.91, 0.94).

CONCLUSION

Pre-operative calcitriol supplementation leads to higher calcium levels, but the high heterogeneity of the included studies (79% to 98.7%) could affect the results.

Perioperative versus postoperative calcium and vitamin D supplementation to prevent symptomatic hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy: a randomized placebo controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Hypocalcemia is the most common complication following total thyroidectomy. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of perioperative combined calcium and vitamin D supplementation compared to postoperative combined calcium and vitamin D supplementation in reducing symptomatic hypocalcemia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective randomized placebo-controlled trial was carried out in patients undergoing total or completion thyroidectomy from June 2017 to May 2022. Eligible patients were assigned to receive either calcium carbonate and alfacalcidol or placebo 3 days before surgery, and both groups were given calcium carbonate and alfacalcidol for 14 days after surgery. Clinical outcomes (signs and symptoms of hypocalcemia, requirement of intravenous calcium, and medication-induced hypercalcemia) and laboratory results (calcium and parathyroid hormone levels) were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-four patients were included in the analysis, 68 were in perioperative oral calcium and vitamin D supplementation group, and 66 were in postoperative oral calcium and vitamin D supplementation group. Symptomatic hypocalcemia rates were significantly lower in the perioperative group than in the postoperative group (8.8 and 22.7%, respectively, P=0.033). All symptomatic hypocalcemia cases in the perioperative group occurred in the first 24 hours after surgery. Mean calcium levels were significantly higher in the perioperative group at 24 and 48 hours after surgery. Intravenous calcium requirement rate was lower in the perioperative group but the difference was insignificant (2.9 and 12.1%, P=0.053). Mean parathyroid hormone levels were within the normal range and did not differ between groups. No medication-induced hypercalcemia was detected in either group.

CONCLUSION

Perioperative oral calcium and vitamin D supplementation significantly decreased the risks of symptomatic and biochemical hypocalcemia compared to postoperative oral calcium and vitamin D supplementation. The perioperative supplementation also shortened the recovery period of symptomatic hypocalcemia to within 24 hours.

Hipocalcemia posterior a tiroidectomía total: Análisis de dosis para suplemento rutinario profiláctico

Introducción. La hipocalcemia es la complicación más frecuente de la tiroidectomía. La profilaxis con calcio/ calcitriol es una alternativa costo-efectiva, sencilla y expedita para disminuir esta situación, sin alterar la función paratiroidea residual. Lo que no está claro es si hay superioridad de una dosis frente a otra, por lo que el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el comportamiento entre diferentes esquemas de profilaxis para hipocalcemia. Métodos. Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo de adultos operados en un hospital de cuarto nivel, entre febrero de 2017 y diciembre de 2020. Se calculó la tasa de síntomas, la hipocalcemia e hipercalcemia bioquímica en el control postquirúrgico durante las siguientes dos semanas. Se hizo análisis bivariado y multivariado entre dosis de calcio/ calcitriol, otros factores asociados y los desenlaces mencionados. Resultados. Se incluyeron 967 pacientes. El 10 % presentaron síntomas. No hubo diferencias significativas en el calcio sérico del control posquirúrgico entre los grupos con distintas dosis de calcio. La dosis de carbonato de calcio >3600 mg/día y el calcio en las primeras 24 horas de cirugía se asociaron a la presencia de síntomas. La dosis de calcitriol  <1 mcg/día y el bocio aumentaron el riesgo de hipocalcemia bioquímica, mientras que la dosis de 1,5 mcg/día lo disminuyó. Ninguna variable evaluada se asoció a hipercalcemia bioquímica. Conclusiones. Teniendo en cuenta los resultados observados con las dosis de calcio y calcitriol, sugerimos iniciar la profilaxis con un esquema de 3600 mg/día de carbonato de calcio y 1,5 mcg/día de calcitriol. Sin embargo, esta dosis debe modificarse en situaciones como bocio o calcio sérico temprano anormal, que fueron las variables asociadas a mayor riesgo en nuestro estudio.

Outcome of parathyroid function after total thyroidectomy when calcium supplementation is administered routinely versus exclusively to symptomatic patients: A prospective randomized clinical trial

PURPOSE

Current guidelines for calcium supplementation for parathyroid function recovery after thyroidectomy are based on low-quality evidence. The present trial compared the effects of oral calcium and vitamin D supplementation on the recovery of parathyroid function when administered routinely or exclusively to symptomatic patients.

METHODS

This prospective, randomized, open-label clinical trial analyzed 203 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy and developed hypoparathyroidism on postoperative day 1 (POD1) with median age of 41 years and proportion of women of 77.8%. Participants were randomized to group A (calcium and vitamin D supplementation administered only to symptomatic patients) and group B (routine supplementation). The primary outcome was the incidence of protracted hypoparathyroidism in the two groups. Secondary outcomes included risk factors for postoperative protracted hypoparathyroidism and the incidence of symptomatic hypocalcemia.

RESULTS

The incidence of protracted hypoparathyroidism was not significantly different between group A and group B (11 of 99 vs. 17 of 104, P = 0.280). Parathyroid hormone (PTH) in group B exhibited a better recovery tendency. The incidence of postoperative symptomatic hypocalcemia in group B was significantly lower than group A (26.92% vs. 42.42%, P = 0.020). Independent factors predicting protracted hypoparathyroidism included sex, preoperative serum calcium, and POD1 PTH.

CONCLUSION

Calcium and vitamin D supplementation administered exclusively to symptomatic patients achieved the same effect on protracted hypoparathyroidism as routine supplementation. However, routine supplementation significantly reduced postoperative hypocalcemia. Extra attention is necessary in female patients with high preoperative serum calcium and patients with low POD1 PTH.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR), ChiCTR1900022194. Registered March 30, 2019.

Post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia: Is a routine preferable over a selective supplementation?

BACKGROUND

Comparative studies among protocols for the management of post-total thyroidectomy (TT) hypocalcemia are lacking. We compared the effectiveness of PTH-driven selective supplementation (PD-SS) and routine calcium and calcitriol supplementation with preoperative calcitriol administration in preventing symptomatic hypocalcemia (SH) and readmission.

METHODS

Three-hundred consecutive patients undergoing TT were assigned to 3 groups: the PD-SS group, the high-dose routine supplementation (HD-RS) group and the low-dose routine supplementation (LD-RS) group.

RESULTS

Mean post-operative stay was shorter in HD-RS patients when compared to PD-SS and LD-RS (p < 0.001). Significantly more patients in the PD-SS group experienced SH (p = 0.042). The rate of post-operative hypocalcemia was not significantly different among the groups (p = 0.063). No readmission for SH or hypercalcemia occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

HD-RS emerged as the most effective treatment to prevent SH, without increasing the risk of readmission for calcitriol-related hypercalcemia. Basing on the present results, HD-RS should be recommended as the preferable protocol.

Phase II randomized study of preoperative calcitriol to prevent hypocalcemia following thyroidectomy

BACKGROUND

A prospective, stratified, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to observe the impact of preoperative calcitriol supplementation on serum calcium levels following total thyroidectomy.

METHODS

Subjects were randomized 1:1 to receive 1 μg calcitriol or placebo for 1 week preceding thyroidectomy. The primary outcome measure was change in serum calcium from baseline to 18 h post-thyroidectomy. Subjects were also assessed for incidence of symptomatic hypocalcemia, length of stay, readmission for hypocalcemia, and intravenous calcium supplementation.

RESULTS

Forty-seven patients underwent thyroidectomy; 23 received preoperative calcitriol supplementation, and 24 received placebo. Repeated measures regression demonstrated no difference in postoperative serum calcium over time (p = 0.22). There were no occurrences of hypocalcemia, intravenous calcium supplementation, or readmission in either group. No difference was observed in length of stay (p = 0.38). One patient in the calcitriol group developed Grade 3 hypercalcemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative calcitriol supplementation had no impact on postoperative serum calcium levels compared to placebo.

Vitamin D Promotes Skeletal Muscle Regeneration and Mitochondrial Health

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for the maintenance of skeletal muscle and bone health. The vitamin D receptor (VDR) is present in muscle, as is CYP27B1, the enzyme that hydroxylates 25(OH)D to its active form, 1,25(OH)D. Furthermore, mounting evidence suggests that vitamin D may play an important role during muscle damage and regeneration. Muscle damage is characterized by compromised muscle fiber architecture, disruption of contractile protein integrity, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Muscle regeneration is a complex process that involves restoration of mitochondrial function and activation of satellite cells (SC), the resident skeletal muscle stem cells. VDR expression is strongly upregulated following injury, particularly in central nuclei and SCs in animal models of muscle injury. Mechanistic studies provide some insight into the possible role of vitamin D activity in injured muscle. In vitro and in vivo rodent studies show that vitamin D mitigates reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, augments antioxidant capacity, and prevents oxidative stress, a common antagonist in muscle damage. Additionally, VDR knockdown results in decreased mitochondrial oxidative capacity and ATP production, suggesting that vitamin D is crucial for mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation capacity; an important driver of muscle regeneration. Vitamin D regulation of mitochondrial health may also have implications for SC activity and self-renewal capacity, which could further affect muscle regeneration. However, the optimal timing, form and dose of vitamin D, as well as the mechanism by which vitamin D contributes to maintenance and restoration of muscle strength following injury, have not been determined. More research is needed to determine mechanistic action of 1,25(OH)D on mitochondria and SCs, as well as how this action manifests following muscle injury in vivo. Moreover, standardization in vitamin D sufficiency cut-points, time-course study of the efficacy of vitamin D administration, and comparison of multiple analogs of vitamin D are necessary to elucidate the potential of vitamin D as a significant contributor to muscle regeneration following injury. Here we will review the contribution of vitamin D to skeletal muscle regeneration following injury.

A Prospective Study of Vitamin D Supplement in Thyroidectomy Patients Based on Relative Decline of Parathyroid Hormone

Background: In postthyroidectomy patients, hypocalcemia is the most common complication to prolong hospital stay and decrease patients’ satisfaction. Based on current evidence, it is recommended to supply vitamin D to patients with high risk of developing hypocalcemia. However, how to stratify the risk of patients remains challenging.

Aim: We conducted a prospective study to evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplement (calcitriol) on high-risk hypocalcemia patients based on relative decline of parathyroid hormone (RDP).

Method: RDP was calculated by the difference between preoperative and postoperative first-day PTH divided by preoperative PTH and presented as percentage. Patients who underwent total thyroidectomy in addition to bilateral central compartment dissection were enrolled prospectively and were divided into two cohorts: Cohort I: patients with RDP ≤70% and Cohort II: patients with RDP >70%. Patients in Cohort I were then randomly assigned to Group A or B, and patients in Cohort II were randomly assigned to Group C or D. All groups received oral calcium, and patients in Groups B and D also received calcitriol. All patients were followed for one year. In the study, standard procedure dictates that only oral calcium is given to patients whose RDP ≤70% and that oral calcium and calcitriol are given to patients whose RDP >70%. Therefore, Cohort I Group A and Cohort II Group D are controls in this study.

Results: The incidence of clinical hypocalcemia in Groups A and D (the controls) was 11.0% (10/91), and 17.6% (16/91) required additional intravenous calcium. Of note, no patients developed permanent hypocalcemia. Furthermore, calcitriol supplement did not have significant impact on clinical outcomes between Group A and B in Cohort I. By contrast, calcitriol supplement distinctly improved clinical outcome by comparing Groups C and D (Cohort II), as marked by clinical hypocalcemia, need of requiring intravenous calcium, and long-termed decreased levels of PTH.

Conclusion: Supplying calcitriol based on RDP cutoff of 70% may be a wise practice in thyroidectomy patients, and RDP 70% may be a useful predictor to stratify high-risk patients.

Does Preoperative Calcium and Calcitriol Decrease Rates of Post-Thyroidectomy Hypocalcemia? A Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Postoperative hypocalcemia is the most common complication after thyroidectomy. Postoperative supplementation with calcium and calcitriol reduces its occurrence; however, prophylactic preoperative supplementation has not been studied systematically. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether pre- and postoperative calcium and calcitriol supplementation reduces postoperative hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy compared with postoperative supplementation alone.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a single-institution prospective randomized trial enrolling 82 patients undergoing total thyroidectomy from July 2017 through May 2019. Those undergoing partial thyroidectomy or concurrent planned parathyroidectomy were excluded. The intervention group started calcitriol 0.25 μg po bid and calcium carbonate 1,500 mg po tid 5 days preoperatively and continued postoperatively. The control group started these medications postoperatively. The primary end point was clinical or biochemical hypocalcemia. Secondary outcomes were postoperative calcium levels, need for intervention, length of stay, and readmission.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients were randomized to the intervention group and 44 to the control group. There were 12 episodes of hypocalcemia; 5 (13.2%) in the intervention and 7 (15.9%) in the control group (p = 0.76). No differences were found in secondary outcomes; including postoperative calcium levels at each measured time point, need for intervention (n = 10 [26.3%], n = 15 [34.1%]; p = 0.48), length of stay (mean [SD] 32.3 [15.6] hours, 30.7 [10.5] hours; p = 0.6), or readmissions (n = 0 [0.0%], n = 3 [6.8%]; p = 0.24).

CONCLUSIONS

Starting supplementation with calcium and calcitriol preoperatively does not reduce postoperative hypocalcemia compared with postoperative supplementation alone after total thyroidectomy. These findings do not support the practice of routine calcium and calcitriol supplementation before total thyroidectomy.

Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy and transoral video-assisted thyroidectomy: A comparison of two systematic reviews

Background:

We compared two systematic reviews, one focusing on transoral video-assisted thyroidectomy (TOVAT) and the other on minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT), to highlight the pros and cons that can determine the choice of one or the other procedure.

Materials and Methods:

PubMed, Scopus and ISI Web of Science databases were searched for relevant articles published from 2000 to June 2018. Both searches were performed using the same keywords. All articles describing human surgical case series of any size were included, while the following were excluded: articles published in languages other than English, case reports, reviews, early cadaver and animal studies and old reports of cases now included in more recent works. Application of the above selection criteria yielded 151 articles on TOVAT and 246 on MIVAT. Of these, 34 articles were selected for inclusion in the present study: 17 for the TOVAT group and 17 for the MIVAT group. The comparison was made considering the most common variables used in evaluating thyroid surgery procedures. The statistical methods used were Cohen's delta, Student's t-test and the non-parametric Mann–Whitney U-test.

Results:

The variable 'operative time' was found to show a very large effect size, and 'hospital stay' also differed significantly between the MIVAT and TOVAT groups.

Conclusions:

TOVAT and MIVAT should not be considered in competition with each other, but seen simply as alternative choices. Both appear to be safe methods, comparable in terms of post-operative complications, although the main reason for using TOVAT seems to be purely aesthetic.

The American Association of Endocrine Surgeons Guidelines for the Definitive Surgical Management of Thyroid Disease in Adults

OBJECTIVE

To develop evidence-based recommendations for safe, effective, and appropriate thyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND

Surgical management of thyroid disease has evolved considerably over several decades leading to variability in rendered care. Over 100,000 thyroid operations are performed annually in the US.

METHODS

The medical literature from 1/1/1985 to 11/9/2018 was reviewed by a panel of 19 experts in thyroid disorders representing multiple disciplines. The authors used the best available evidence to construct surgical management recommendations. Levels of evidence were determined using the American College of Physicians grading system, and management recommendations were discussed to consensus. Members of the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons reviewed and commented on preliminary drafts of the content.

RESULTS

These clinical guidelines analyze the indications for thyroidectomy as well as its definitions, technique, morbidity, and outcomes. Specific topics include Pathogenesis and Epidemiology, Initial Evaluation, Imaging, Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy Diagnosis, Molecular Testing, Indications, Extent and Outcomes of Surgery, Preoperative Care, Initial Thyroidectomy, Perioperative Tissue Diagnosis, Nodal Dissection, Concurrent Parathyroidectomy, Hyperthyroid Conditions, Goiter, Adjuncts and Approaches to Thyroidectomy, Laryngology, Familial Thyroid Cancer, Postoperative Care and Complications, Cancer Management, and Reoperation.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence-based guidelines were created to assist clinicians in the optimal surgical management of thyroid disease.

Incidental thyroid carcinomas. A retrospective study

AIM

The aim of the present study is to report our series of incidental thyroid carcinomas in the last 15 years and their follow-up, discussing therapeutics indications and surgical choices.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We have considered 1793 patients operated on Surgical Sciences Department of "Sapienza" University of Rome from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2015. The study was conducted on 83 totally thyroidectomized patients with a real incidental thyroid carcinoma, by clinical, laboratory and instrumental controls. Whole-body scan was the most important test in postoperative evaluation.

RESULTS

In our series, the incidence of incidental carcinomas was 4.62%. Compared to the total number of cancer patients, the percentage is 21,9%. In 15.66% of cases there was multifocality and in 7.23% also bilaterality. Regarding the histological type, in all cases they were papillary carcinoma. The size of the neoplastic lesions ranged from a minimum of 3 to a maximum of 10 mm. Whole-body scan revealed lymph node metastasis in 57.69% of patients.

DISCUSSION

Comparing these data with our previous studies we have seen a significant increase in incidence of incidental thyroid carcinomas over the years. Our therapeutical choice is total thyroidectomy and complection thyroidectomy after lobectomy, because of a relevant percentage of multifocality and/or bilaterality of these tumors. Many Authors on the contrary prefer a more conservative approach invoking the good prognosis of these tumors. The 57.69% of lymph node metastasis at postoperative whole-body scan comfort us in our setting.

CONCLUSION

Incidental thyroid carcinomas are not uncommon. We consider only tumors until 1 cm in diameter. Multifocality and bilaterality are often present such as occult lymph node metastasis. Our therapeutical choice is total thyroidectomy in order to conduct a proper follow-up.

Meta-analysis of routine calcium/vitamin D3 supplementation versus serum calcium level-based strategy to prevent postoperative hypocalcaemia after thyroidectomy

BACKGROUND

The aim was to assess the effectiveness of routine administration of calcium +/- vitamin D3 compared with a serum calcium level-based strategy to prevent symptomatic hypocalcaemia after thyroidectomy.

METHODS

RCTs comparing routine supplementation of calcium +/- vitamin D3 with treatment based on serum calcium levels measured after total thyroidectomy, published between 1980 and 2017, were identified in MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS and Google Scholar databases. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. Risk differences were calculated by random-effects meta-analysis. Meta-regression and cumulative meta-analysis were used to explore the best therapeutic approach.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies with 3037 patients were included, and seven treatment comparisons were made. Routine supplementation with calcium + vitamin D3 offered a lower risk of symptomatic (risk difference (RD) -0·25, 95 per cent c.i. -0·32 to -0·18) and biochemical (RD -0·24, -0·31 to -0·17) hypocalcaemia than treatment based on measurement of calcium levels. The number needed to treat was 4 (95 per cent c.i. 3 to 6) for symptomatic hypocalcaemia. No publication bias was found; although heterogeneity was high for some comparisons, sensitivity analysis did not change the main results.

CONCLUSION

Routine postoperative administration of calcium + vitamin D3 is effective in decreasing the rate of symptomatic and biochemical hypocalcaemia.

Hypoparathyroidism in Total Thyroidectomy due to Benign Thyroid Diseases

PURPOSE

Our aim was to compare the effects of exposing the recurrent laryngeal nerve throughout its entire course with exposing the nerve only at its entry to the larynx in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy due to benign thyroid diseases, and to evaluate the effects of these methods on the risk for hypoparathyroidism.

METHODS

The medical records of 437 patients who had undergone total thyroidectomy at the ear, nose, and throat clinic between 2001 and 2015 for benign thyroid diseases were evaluated retrospectively. Mean patient age was 46.7 years (range 18-79 years). Eighty-six patients were male and 351 were female. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to recurrent laryngeal nerve exposure during surgery. In the first group, the nerve was observed as it entered the larynx, and its course was not completely exposed. In the second group, the nerve was identified in the tracheoesophageal groove, and its course was fully exposed. Group 1 consisted of 256 patients (47 male and 209 female) and group 2 consisted of 181 patients (39 male and 142 female). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of age and gender, and the groups were homogeneously distributed.

FINDINGS

Transient hypoparathyroidism was observed in 15 (5.8%) patients and permanent hypoparathyroidism was observed in 3 (1.1%) patients in group 1, and transient hypoparathyroidism was observed in 23 (12.7%) patients and permanent hypoparathyroidism was observed in 7 (3.8%) patients in group 2. The rates of both transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism were higher in the patients in group 2, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Transient recurrent nerve palsy was seen in 1 patient in each group. Permanent recurrent nerve palsy occurred in 1 patient in group 2, although the difference between groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.28).

IMPLICATIONS

Transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism were less common in thyroidectomies that involved detection of the recurrent laryngeal nerve at the site of entry to the larynx and keeping its dissection minimal; this technique was also more reliable.

Routine low-dose calcium supplementation after thyroidectomy does not reduce the rate of symptomatic hypocalcemia: a prospective randomized trial

Purpose

Routine supplementation of high-dose calcium significantly decreased the risk of postoperative symptomatic hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy. However, there is an ongoing debate about whether the same results can be achieved with low-dose calcium supplementation.

Methods

Patients (n = 138) who underwent total thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer were 1:1 randomly assigned to receive oral supplements of 1,500 mg/day elemental calcium and 1,000 IU/day cholecalciferol for 2 weeks or no supplementation. Primary objective was to compare the incidence of symptomatic hypocalcemia for 3 days after total thyroidectomy. Secondary objective was to find the predictors for postoperative hypocalcemia in patients with thyroid cancer.

Results

Sixty-five patients in the calcium group and 69 patients in the control group were finally analyzed. The incidence of symptomatic hypocalcemia showed no difference between the calcium and control group (32.3% vs. 21.7%, P = 0.168). The total dosage of intravenous calcium (593.4 ± 267.1 mg vs. 731.6 ± 622.7 mg, P = 0.430) administered to patients with symptomatic hypocalcemia was also comparable between groups. In a multivariate analysis, parathyroid hormone level of 13 pg/mL at postoperative day 1 was only predictive for symptomatic hypocalcemia, and its incidence was 20.9 times (95% confidence interval, 6.8-64.5) higher in patients with parathyroid hormone <13 pg/mL. Other factors did not predict the development of hypocalcemia, including clinicopathological features and routine supplementation of low-dose calcium.

Conclusion

Routine low-dose calcium supplementation did not reduce the risk of postoperative hypocalcemia. Patients who may benefit from calcium supplementation should be carefully selected.

Role of oral calcium supplementation alone or with vitamin D in preventing post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Thyroidectomy is the main intervention for thyroid malignancies and some benign thyroid diseases. Its most common complication is hypocalcaemia, which requires oral or intravenous calcium therapy. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy of routine calcium supplementation with or without vitamin D in preventing hypocalcaemia post-thyroidectomy.

METHODS

Systematic searches of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were performed. The qualities of the included articles were assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The studies' qualities of outcomes and strengths of evidence were evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool. Data analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3, and odds ratio (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed for dichotomous data.

RESULTS

Ten randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. The combined study recruited 1620 patients (343 men and 1277 women) who underwent total thyroidectomy alone or with neck dissection. Calcium supplementation decreased the risk of transient postoperative hypocalcaemia (OR 0.48 [95% CI, 0.31-0.74]; P < .001) but did not decrease the demand for intravenous supplementation or the rate of permanent hypocalcaemia compared to no treatment. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced the rate of transient hypocalcaemia and the demand for intravenous supplementation compared to either no treatment (OR 0.21 [95% CI, 0.11-0.40]; P < .001 and OR 0.26 [95% CI, 0.10-0.69]; P = .007, respectively) or calcium alone (OR 0.39 [95% CI, 0.18-0.84]; P = .02 and OR 0.18 [95% CI, 0.07-0.47]; P < .001, respectively), but did not decrease the rate of permanent hypocalcaemia. GRADE-based confidence was moderate.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative calcium supplementation is effective for preventing post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia. Calcium plus vitamin D was more effective than calcium alone in preventing postoperative hypocalcaemia and decreasing the demand for intravenous calcium supplementation. Further, well-designed RCTs with larger sample sizes are required to validate our findings.

American Thyroid Association Statement on Postoperative Hypoparathyroidism: Diagnosis, Prevention, and Management in Adults

BACKGROUND

Hypoparathyroidism (hypoPT) is the most common complication following bilateral thyroid operations. Thyroid surgeons must employ strategies for minimizing and preventing post-thyroidectomy hypoPT. The objective of this American Thyroid Association Surgical Affairs Committee Statement is to provide an overview of its diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.

SUMMARY

HypoPT occurs when a low intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) level is accompanied by hypocalcemia. Risk factors for post-thyroidectomy hypoPT include bilateral thyroid operations, autoimmune thyroid disease, central neck dissection, substernal goiter, surgeon inexperience, and malabsorptive conditions. Medical and surgical strategies to minimize perioperative hypoPT include optimizing vitamin D levels, preserving parathyroid blood supply, and autotransplanting ischemic parathyroid glands. Measurement of intraoperative or early postoperative intact PTH levels following thyroidectomy can help guide patient management. In general, a postoperative PTH level <15 pg/mL indicates increased risk for acute hypoPT. Effective management of mild to moderate potential or actual postoperative hypoPT can be achieved by administering either empiric/prophylactic oral calcium and vitamin D, selective oral calcium, and vitamin D based on rapid postoperative PTH level(s), or serial serum calcium levels as a guide. Monitoring for rebound hypercalcemia is necessary to avoid metabolic and renal complications. For more severe hypocalcemia, inpatient management may be necessary. Permanent hypoPT has long-term consequences for both objective and subjective well-being, and should be prevented whenever possible.

Hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy: iPTH levels and iPTH decline are predictive? Retrospective cohort study

Background

Hypocalcemia is the most common complication of thyroid surgery. The aim of this study was to determine the early predictive factors of postoperative hypocalcemia and to analyze their efficiency.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of 345 consecutive patients who underwent total thyroidectomy at the Endocrine Surgery Department (Policlinico G. Rodolico Hospital of Catania) between January 2011 and November 2013. We measured serum intact parathormone (iPTH) levels preoperatively and 4 h after surgery. The threshold values of hypocalcemia for iPTH levels and iPTH relative decline were obtained by receiver operating curves (ROC) analysis.

Results

The incidence of hypocalcemia was 32.2% (111 of 345 patients). Our statistical analysis revealed that hypocalcemia rate was strongly correlated with the lower iPTH values and greater iPTH decline (P < 0.001). The threshold enabling prediction of hypocalcemia were 12,5 pg/mL for iPTH and 55,7% for relative iPTH decline. Patients with iPTH <12,5 pg/mL developed hypocalcemia in 58.6% of cases while those with iPTH ≥12,5 pg/dl in 18.8%. Among 175 patients with iPTH relative decline greater than 55,7% hypocalcemia was diagnosed in 91 cases (52%), while other 170 patients with iPTH relative decline less than 55,7% developed hypocalcemia only in 20 cases (11,7%).

Conclusions

The decreased iPTH levels and increased iPTH relative decline resulted to be an accurate predictive factors of postoperative hypocalcemia. The early administration of Calcium and vitamin D in the high-risk patients should be put on in order to prevent the symptoms of hypocalcemia and to reduce the costs and duration of hospitalization.

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Predictive factors of postoperative hypocalcemia.

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Retrospective study of 345 patients.

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The threshold were iPTH 12,5 ng/L and iPTH decline 55,7%.

[Symptomatic hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy : Prevention by a combination of prophylaxis and risk-adapted substitution]

BACKGROUND

Treatment of hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy consists of an individual substitution, prophylaxis or a daily administration of calcium/vitamin D3.

OBJECTIVE

Does prophylactic therapy combined with a risk-adapted substitution of calcium and vitamin D3 reduce symptomatic hypocalcemia compared to individual substitution?

MATERIAL AND METHODS

After implementation of a new algorithm, patient data were prospectively documented and analyzed compared to a historical patient population. The algorithm consisted of a single prophylactic i. v. administration of calcium (1 g calcium gluconate 10% in 250 ml saline) and a risk-adapted oral administration of calcium and vitamin D3 after surgery. Patients without risk (parathyroid hormone, PTH > 15 pg/ml) were not treated. Patients with a low risk (PTH ≥ 6 ≤ 15 pg/ml and Ca > 2.0 mmol/l) received 3 g calcium, patients with a high risk (PTH ≥ 6 ≤ 15 pg/ml and Ca < 2.0 mmol/l) received 3 g calcium and 2 × 0.5 µg vitamin D3 and patients with a very high risk (PTH < 6 pg/ml) got 4 g calcium and 2 × 0.5 µg vitamin D3.

RESULTS

In this study 415 patients were included (230 prospectively and 185 retrospectively). Serum calcium of patients with individual substitution increased significantly at day 1 (p = 0.0001) and the number of patients with critical hypocalcemia (Ca < 2.0 mmol/l) decreased by half (27% vs. 12.2%; p = 0.0001). There was a significantly lower rate of symptomatic patients (24.9% vs 13.0%; p = 0.002) and a clear reduction of patients with a prolonged hospitalization (10.8% vs. 6.5%; p = 0.08). The rate of permanent hypocalcemia was comparable (2.2% vs. 2.1%). In the risk groups there was a significantly different rate of hypocalcemia: patients without risk (n = 170) in 2.2%, patients with low risk (n = 36) in 25%, patients with high risk (n = 13) in 69.2% and patients with very high risk (n = 11) in 71%.

CONCLUSION

This new treatment regimen is practicable, significantly lowers the symptoms, also in comparison to the literature and shows a clear differentiation between the risk groups.

Fresh tissue parathyroid allotransplantation with short-term immunosuppression: 1-year follow-up

BACKGROUND

Permanent hypoparathyroidism is a serious problem and requires medications indefinitely. Parathyroid allotransplantation (PA) with short-term immunosuppression is definitive choice but long-term results are not clear.

METHOD

We performed PA from two donors to two recipients. Both recipients were 39-year-old females. Donors were a 32-year-old female and a 36-year-old male, who both have chronic kidney disease. Routine tests, viral markers, and cross-matches were analyzed individually. The parathyroid glands were resected from the living donors, fragmented quickly in the operation room and injected into the left deltoid muscles of the two recipients.

RESULTS

Methylprednisolone was administered on post-PA day one and two. Recipients were discharged from the hospital without complications. Calcium and PTH levels were observed throughout 1 year. We did not observe any complications during the follow-up period. Medications ceased in post-transplantation week 1 for Case 1 and after 1 month for Case 2.

CONCLUSION

Fresh tissue PA with short-term immunosuppression appears to be a promising technique that is easy to perform, is cost-effective, has low risk of side effects and minimal complications with compatibility for HLA conditions. A longer follow-up period and more case studies are needed to determine the risks and benefits of this procedure for future cases.

Use of prophylactic oral calcium after total thyroidectomy: a prospective study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of prophylactic oral calcium after total thyroidectomy in the prevention of symptomatic hypocalcemia, and to develop a rational strategy of oral calcium supplementation following this type of surgery.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Prospective study including 47 patients undergoing total thyroidectomy from January 2007 to February 2012. The patients were allocated to one of the following groups: I (no postoperative calcium) or II (oral calcium 3 g per day). Oral calcium was started at the first postoperative day and administered until the sixth postoperative day. The patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months and evaluated with a minimum of five measurements of ionized calcium: preoperative, 16 hours after surgery, seventh postoperative day, and at postoperative days 90 (PO90) and 180 (PO180). The cohort included three men and 44 women, of whom 24 (51.9%) had benign thyroid disease, and 23 had suspected or confirmed malignant disease.

RESULTS

When compared with Group II, Group I had significantly higher rates of postoperative biochemical hypocalcemia at PO1 and PO180, and of symptomatic hypocalcemia at PO1, PO7, and PO90. Other data were not significantly different between the groups.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that postoperative calcium supplementation effectively prevents symptomatic and biochemical hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy, and can be safely used after this procedure. The presented strategy of oral calcium supplementation may be implemented in a viable manner.

Stratifying the Risk of Developing Clinical Hypocalcemia after Thyroidectomy with Parathyroid Hormone

Objective

To identify the risk of clinical hypocalcemia in the first hours after thyroidectomy.

Study Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Single-institution tertiary hospital in Madrid, Spain.

Subjects and Methods

A total of 123 patients who underwent total or completion thyroidectomy between June 2010 and March 2012 were included. Pre- and postoperative intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels were obtained. Patients remain hospitalized a minimum of 48 hours until blood calcium stabilized. Calcium and/or vitamin D supplements were prescribed only when signs or symptoms of hypocalcemia developed. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was employed to evaluate the postoperative iPTH level and the pre- to postoperative decrease in iPTH levels. Two cutoff values were determined to stratify the risk of developing clinical hypocalcemia into 3 groups.

Results

The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.991 for the postoperative iPTH and 0.998 for the decrease in iPTH. An iPTH decrease of 80% had 100% sensitivity to detect patients who developed clinical hypocalcemia, while a postoperative iPTH <3 pg/mL had 100% specificity. Thus, patients with an iPTH decrease ≤80% are at a very low risk of clinical hypocalcemia, and patients with a postoperative iPTH <3 pg/mL are at a very high risk. Patients with an iPTH decrease >80% and a postoperative iPTH ≥3 pg/mL are at intermediate risk. No significant correlation was found between the time when the sample was obtained and iPTH values.

Conclusion

This study stablishes a very accurate test to stratify the risk of clinical postthyroidectomy hypocalcemia based on pre- and postoperative iPTH levels.

Association of Preoperative Calcium and Calcitriol Therapy With Postoperative Hypocalcemia After Total Thyroidectomy

Importance

Hypocalcemia is the most common complication after total thyroidectomy and can result in prolonged hospital admissions and increased hospital charges.

Objective

To determine the effectiveness of preoperative calcium and calcitriol supplementation in reducing hypocalcemia following total thyroidectomy.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary care center in 65 patients undergoing total thyroidectomy by a single surgeon. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those receiving preoperative as well as postoperative supplementation with calcium carbonate, 1000 to 1500 mg, 3 times daily and calcitriol, 0.25 to 0.5 µg, twice daily, and those receiving only postoperative supplementation with those agents at the same dosages. Data on patients who underwent surgery between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2011, were acquired, and data analyses were conducted from March through June 2012, and from October through December 2016.

Interventions

Calcium and calcitriol therapy.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Postoperative serum calcium levels and development of postoperative hypocalcemia.

Results

Of the 65 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy 27 (42%) were men; mean (SD) age was 49.7 (16.7) years. Thirty-three patients received preoperative calcium and calcitriol supplementation, and 32 patients received only postoperative therapy. In the preoperative supplementation group, 15 of 33 (45%) patients underwent complete central compartment neck dissection and 11 of 33 (33%) had lateral neck dissection, compared with 16 of 32 (50%) and 12 of 32 (38%), respectively, patients without preoperative supplementation. The mean measured serum calcium level in those without preoperative supplementation vs those with supplementation are as follows: preoperative, 9.6 vs 9.4 mg/dL (absolute difference, 0.16; 95% CI, -0.12 to 0.49 mg/dL); 12 hours postoperative, 8.3 vs 8.6 mg/dL (absolute difference, -0.30; 95% CI,  -0.63 to 0.02 mg/dL); and 24 hours postoperative, 8.4 vs 8.5 mg/dL (absolute difference, -0.13; 95% CI, -0.43 to 0.16 mg/dL). In patients not receiving preoperative supplementation, 5 of 32 (16%) individuals became symptomatically hypocalcemic vs 2 of 33 (6%) in the preoperative supplementation group; an absolute difference of 10% (95% CI, -6.6% to 26.3%). Compared with the group not receiving preoperative supplementation, the mean [SD] length of stay was significantly shorter in the preoperative supplementation group (3.8 [1.8] vs 2.9 [1.4] days; absolute difference, -0.9; 95% CI, -1.70 to -0.105 days). Preoperative supplementation resulted in an estimated $2819 savings in charges per patient undergoing total thyroidectomy.

Conclusions and Relevance

Preoperative calcium and calcitriol supplementation, in addition to routine postoperative supplementation, was associated with a reduced incidence of symptomatic hypocalcemia, length of hospital stay, and overall charges following total thyroidectomy.

Early discharge after total thyroidectomy: a retrospective feasibility study

AIM

The continued hospitalization after total thyroidectomy is often due to the onset of hypocalcemic complications more than 24 hours after surgery. So it would be important to predict which patients will not develop the hypocalcemic complication to discharge them early. This was the aim of our study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Our retrospective study was conducted on 327 consecutive thyroidectomized patients, operated on for benign and malignant diseases. We evaluated the values of preoperative serum calcium levels (Cal0) and of the first postoperative day (Cal1) and two new variables were calculated (dCal and dCaln). The same thing was made on a subgroup of 111 patients in whom also parathiroyd hormone (PTH) values were detected. Statistical analysis was performed with the goal of determining if we could establish a safe criterion for discharge at 24 hours after surgery and if there is a correlation between suitability for discharge and diagnosis.

RESULTS

As to discharge, the predictive power of the discriminant function applied was significant both on the total of patients and in the subgroup of 111 patients, but it was clinically unacceptable because it would expose us to a 21% to 27% error rate. It is not possible to identify a threshold, below which to consider patients surely dischargeable. The diagnosis does not appear correlated with the suitability for discharge.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of serum calcium and PTH levels in the first postoperative day, it is impossible to predict which patients can be discharged 24 hours after surgery without incurring in hypocalcemic complications.

Parathyroid Autotransplantation During Thyroid Surgery: A Novel Technique Using a Cell Culture Nutrient Solution

INTRODUCTION

Parathyroid autotransplantation is an easy procedure with a low complication rate. We adopted the transplantation into the sternocleidomastoid muscle, which allows an easier and time-saving surgical procedure using the same surgical incision.

METHODS

In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the records of 396 consecutive patients, who underwent total thyroidectomy for benign thyroid disease. In all cases in which a parathyroid was damaged or inadvertently removed, the gland was transplanted; before the autotransplantation, the parathyroid tissue was put in a cell culture nutrient solution for 5 min, afterward fragmented, and then was transplanted in the sternocleidomastoid muscle. To demonstrate a beneficial effect of the cell nutrient solution step, we compared data of transplanted patients with a control group of cases (n = 190) undergoing a standard immediate autotransplantation.

RESULTS

We divided patients in two main groups: group A (n = 160) including subjects that underwent one or more parathyroid gland autotransplantation using the cell nutrient solution, and group B (n = 236) concerning those who were not transplanted. Among patients, 62 hypocalcemias occurred, 40 in the group A and 22 in the group B (P < 0.001): 91.9 % were transient and 8.1 % (5 patients) definitive, all pertaining to the group B. Among controls (group C), 42 hypocalcemias occurred (P = 0.616 vs. group A and P = 0.002 vs. group B) and 3/42 became definitive (P = 0.096 vs. group A and P = 0.121 vs. group B). All differences concerning pre- and postoperative calcium values were statistically significant (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend the routine parathyroid autotransplantation, when a vascular damage is certain or suspected, in order to reduce the rate of permanent hypoparathyroidism, using a cell culture nutrient solution before gland transplantation.

Evaluating the Time Interval for Presenting the Signs of Hypocalcaemia after Thyroidectomy

INTRODUCTION

Thyroidectomy is one of the most prevalent treatments for thyroid malignancies. It has very low rate of complications except the hypocalcaemia. Only a small number of studies have evaluated the clinical signs of hypocalcaemia but no study have reported the time interval between the procedure and signs of hypocalcaemia.

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine that time interval in those patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Medical files of a group of patients who underwent thyroidectomy were reviewed. Demographic characteristics of the patients and the time interval to hypocalcaemia were recorded and analysed by SPSS software. p-value <0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

One hundred and eight patients, 65 women (60.2%) and 43 men (39.8%) with a mean age of 42.6+12.2 years were included. Perioral numbness was reported in 30 (27.8%) patients while 29 (26.8%) patients had lip numbness. Numbness in extremities and muscle spasm were found in 19 (17.6%) and 13 (12%) patients respectively. Seizure was reported in 3 (2.8%) patients. The Trousseau and Chvostek signs were found in 17 (15.7%) and 9 (8.3%) patients respectively. Only the Trousseau sign was different between the two surgical groups. The mean time interval was 41.25±11.5 hours postoperatively. However the time interval was shorter for the total thyroidectomy.

CONCLUSION

Physical examination is useful for diagnosing hypocalcaemia due to the presentation of sings during the first 48 hours of thyroidectomy. Total thyroidectomy is associated with shorter time interval.

Allotransplantation of macroencapsulated parathyroid cells as a treatment of severe postsurgical hypoparathyroidism: case report

Persistent hypoparathyroidism, a condition associated with major inconvenience and potential morbidity, is more difficult to treat than other hypofunctional endocrine disorders. Therapeutic alternative in severe postsurgical hypoparathyroidism is allotransplantation of macroencapsulated parathyroid cells. With this technique, it is possible to implant cells or tissues of parathyroid origin to replace them in such patients without immunosuppression. At the present time, durable results have only been reported in parathyroid allotransplantation when immunosuppression to prevent rejection is administered. We report an allotransplant of parathyroid cells in a patient with continuous endovenous requirement of calcium to survive. Macrocapsule containing ~(20 to 30)x106 parathyroid cells was constructed with a polyvinylidine difluoride and implanted into the deep femoral artery. The functional activity of the graft, traced for 3 months, allowed to exclude the parenteral administration of calcium and to compensate symptoms of the disease.

SIMILAR CASES PUBLISHED

There have been no more than 3 previous clinical reports of similar parathyroid cell allotransplantation without immunosuppression.

Impact of preoperative Vitamin D3 administration on postoperative hypocalcaemia in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy (HypoCalViD): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Total thyroidectomy is increasingly used as a surgical approach for many thyroid conditions. Subsequently, postoperative hypocalcaemia is observed with increasing frequency, often resulting in prolonged hospital stay, increased use of resources, reduced quality of life and delayed return to work. The administration of vitamin D is essential in the therapy of postoperative hypocalcaemia; calcitriol is most commonly used. What has not been examined so far is whether and how routine preoperative vitamin D prophylaxis using calcitriol can help to prevent postoperative hypocalcaemia. This study evaluates routine preoperative calcitriol prophylaxis for all patients who are to undergo a total thyroidectomy, compared with the current standard of post-treatment, i.e., selective vitamin D treatment for patients with postoperative hypocalcaemia.

Methods/design

This clinical observational (minimal interventional clinical trial) trial is a multicentre, prospective, randomized superiority trial with an adaptive design. Datasets will be pseudonymized for analysis. Patients will be randomly allocated (1:1) to the intervention and the control groups. The only intervention is 0.5 μg calcitriol orally twice a day for 3 days prior to surgery. For the primary endpoint measure (number of patients with hypocalcaemia), hypocalcaemia is defined as serum calcium of less than 2.1 mmol/l on any day during the postoperative course; this measure will be analyzed using a Chi-square test comparing the two groups. Secondary endpoint measures, such as number of days to discharge, quality of life, and economic parameters will also be analyzed.

Discussion

By virtue of the direct comparison of clinically and economically relevant endpoints, the efficacy as well as efficiency of preoperative calcitriol prophylaxis of hypocalcaemia will be clarified. These results should be available 24 months after the first patient has been enrolled. The results will be used to inform a revised practice parameter guideline of whether or not to recommend preoperative calcitriol for all patients in whom total thyroidectomy is planned.

Trial registration

Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien, DRKS00005615 (Feb.12.2016).

Parathyroid autotransplantation during total thyroidectomy. Results of a retrospective study

Authors analyze their experience of parathyroid autotransplantation during total thyroidectomy, with the purpose of seeing whether this practice influenced the rate of postoperative hypocalcemia and/or hypoparathyroidism. We identified three groups of patients: group A, consisting of 57 patients, underwent parathyroid autotransplantation during total thyroidectomy; group B consisting of 87 patients not submitted to intraoperative autotransplantation in whom, as an incidental finding, a parathyroid gland was detected in the surgical specimen; group C consisted of 100 patients who did not undergo autotransplantation and whose surgical specimens were not found to contain parathyroid glands. The three groups were compared for sex and age as well as for a series of clinical and laboratory parameters on the first three postoperative days and at six months after surgery. The rate of permanent hypoparathyroidism was 3.5% in Group A, 3.45% in Group B, and 1% in Group C. Multivariate analysis revealed that all three groups showed postoperative recovery of calcium levels, although the rate and extent of this recovery differed between them. The control group showed a more rapid and more complete recovery of serum calcium values compared with Groups A and B. Calcium recovery in Groups A and B was comparable, in terms of both rate and extent. The same pattern of results emerged for the iPTH values. The analysis of the data showed that there were no significant differences in the analyzed parameters between Groups A and B. This suggests that parathyroid autotransplantation does not influence the rate of postoperative hypocalcemia and/or hypoparathyroidism.

Clinical Pathway for Thyroidectomy

Clinical pathways are care plans applicable to patient care procedures that present variations in practice and a predictable clinical course. They are designed not as a substitute for clinical judgment, but rather as a means to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the procedures. This clinical pathway is the result of a collaborative work of the Sections of Endocrine Surgery and Quality Management of the Spanish Association of Surgeons. It attempts to provide a framework for standardizing the performance of thyroidectomy, the most frequently performed operation in endocrine surgery. Along with the usual documents of clinical pathways (temporary matrix, variance tracking and information sheets, assessment indicators and a satisfaction questionnaire) it includes a review of the scientific evidence around different aspects of pre, intra and postoperative management. Among others, antibiotic and antithrombotic prophylaxis, preoperative preparation in hyperthyroidism, intraoperative neuromonitoring and systems for obtaining hemostasis are included, along with management of postoperative hypocalcemia.

Effectiveness of preventative and other surgical measures on hypocalcemia following bilateral thyroid surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

A variety of measures have been proposed to reduce the incidence of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of preventive and other surgical measures on post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia as reported in the literature.

METHODS

Comprehensive searches of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were performed, and the quality of included papers was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool or a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). The results of all included studies were summarized, and meta-analyses were performed where appropriate.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 37 observational studies were included. Measures studied included hemostatic techniques, extent of thyroidectomy and central neck dissection, surgical approach, calcium/vitamin D/thiazide diuretic supplements, parathyroid gland autotransplantation (PGAT) and intraoperative parathyroid gland (PG) identification, truncal ligation of inferior thyroid artery (ITA), preoperative magnesium infusion, and use of magnification loupes and Surgicel. Measures associated with significantly lower rates of transient hypocalcemia in meta-analysis were postoperative calcium and vitamin D supplementation compared to either calcium supplements alone (odds ratio (OR) 0.66; p=0.04) or no supplements (OR 0.34; p=0.007), and bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy (BST) compared to Hartley Dunhill (HD) procedure (OR 0.35; p=0.01). Meta-analyses did not demonstrate any measure to be significantly associated with a reduction in permanent hypocalcemia.

CONCLUSION

This review identified postoperative calcium and vitamin D supplementation and bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy (over HD) as being effective in prevention of transient hypocalcemia. However, the majority of RCTs were of low quality, primarily due to a lack of blinding. The wide variability in study design, definitions of hypocalcemia, and methods of assessment prevented meaningful summation of results for permanent hypocalcemia.

Severe Vitamin D Deficiency

Objective

To assess the role of preoperative serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D as predictor of hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Subjects and Methods

All consecutively performed total and completion thyroidectomies from February 2007 to December 2013 were reviewed through a hospital database and patient charts. The relationship between postthyroidectomy laboratory hypocalcemia (serum calcium ≤2 mmol/L), clinical hypocalcemia, and preoperative serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D level was evaluated.

Results

Two hundred thirteen patients were analyzed. The incidence of postoperative laboratory and clinical hypocalcemia was 19.7% and 17.8%, respectively. The incidence of laboratory and clinical hypocalcemia among severely deficient (<25 nmol/L), deficient (<50 nmol/L), insufficient (<75 nmol/L), and sufficient (≥75 nmol/L) serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D levels was 54% versus 33.9%, 10% versus 18%, 2.9% versus 11.6%, and 3.1% versus 0%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed preoperative severe vitamin D deficiency as a significant independent predictor of postoperative hypocalcemia (odds ratio [OR], 7.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3-22.9; P = .001). Parathyroid hormone level was also found to be an independent predictor of postoperative hypocalcemia (OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.5-0.8; P = .002).

Conclusion

Postoperative clinical and laboratory hypocalcemia is significantly associated with low levels of serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D. Our findings identify severe vitamin D deficiency (<25 nmol/L) as an independent predictor of postoperative laboratory hypocalcemia. Early identification and management of patients at risk may reduce morbidity and costs.

Total thyroidectomy in geriatric patients: a retrospective study

In the English literature there is no single definition that identifies elderly patients. In our retrospective study, we divided total thyroidectomized patients operated on from 2000 to 2010 in the Department of Surgical Sciences of the "Sapienza" University of Rome, in two groups: group 1 consists of 448 patients over 65 years and group 2 consists of 1275 patients under 65 years. We compared both groups in terms of indications for surgery, histological diagnoses, postoperative complications (laryngeal nerv palsy, hypocalcemia, bleeding and seroma) and mortality. The results showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups with respect to the type of surgical indication, the type of comorbidities, the incidence of postoperative complications and perioperative mortality. The only data discordant with those in the international literature was the incidence of neoplastic disease that is found to be slightly greater in group 2. In conclusion, total thyroidectomy in patients over 65 years is a safe procedure and is not burdened with a higher percentage of postoperative complications, even if requires a careful preoperative assessment of risk factors related to comorbidity.

Parathyroid Hormone Levels Predict Posttotal Thyroidectomy Hypoparathyroidism

We hypothesized that parathyroid hormone (PTH) determination would be the most effective strategy to identify posttotal thyroidectomy hypoparathyroidism (PTTHP) compared with other clinical and laboratory parameters. We retrospectively reviewed our recent experience with total thyroidectomy. We recorded demographics, malignancy, thyroid weight, parathyroid autotransplantation, hospital stay, use of postoperative calcium and hormonally active vitamin D3 (calcitriol), and postoperative serum calcium and PTH levels. Patients were divided into two groups depending on whether supplemental calcitriol was required to maintain eucalcemia and therefore reflecting the diagnosis of PTTHP. From October 2010 to June 2013, a total of 202 total thyroidectomies were performed. Twenty-four patients (12%) developed PTTHP and required calcitriol replacement. Logistic regression analysis revealed that only postoperative calcium levels ( P = 0.02) and PTH levels ( P < 0.0001) statistically significantly predicted PTTHP. Twenty-two of 29 patients with PTH 13 pg/mL or less had PTTHP. Only two of 173 patients with a PTH level greater than 13 pg/mL were diagnosed with PTTHP. We recommend using PTH levels after total thyroidectomy to determine which patients will have hypoparathyroidism requiring calcitriol therapy. An early determination of PTTHP allows for prompt management that can shorten hospital stay and improve outcomes.

Thyroid surgery as a 23-hour stay procedure

INTRODUCTION

The main barriers to short stay thyroidectomy are haemorrhage, bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy causing respiratory compromise and hypocalcaemia. This study assessed the safety and effectiveness of thyroidectomy as a 23-hour stay procedure.

METHODS

All patients undergoing total or completion thyroidectomy were prescribed calcium and vitamin D3 supplements following surgery. Retrospective analysis identified patients admitted for longer than 23 hours and any readmissions.

RESULTS

A total of 164 patients were admitted for 23-hour stay thyroid surgery over a 25-month period between 2008 and 2010. Four patients (2%) required admission for longer than 23 hours. No patients required emergency intervention for postoperative haemorrhage or airway compromise. Biochemical hypocalcaemia (despite calcium supplements) was detected in one patient when measured at the outpatient clinic two weeks following surgery. Twelve patients (7.3%) attended the accident and emergency department following discharge; four required admission for intravenous antibiotics for wound infection and one for biochemical hypocalcaemia.

CONCLUSIONS

This single centre UK experience demonstrates that thyroidectomy can be carried out both safely and effectively as a 23-hour stay procedure. Prophylactic prescription of calcium and vitamin D3 reduces hypocalcaemia, and thereby also prolonged admission and readmission due to hypocalcaemia. Supplements are an acceptable, cost effective method of reducing hypocalcaemia and shortening postoperative length of stay.

Monitoring of Hypocalcaemia & Hyperglycemia predictive consequences of Thyroidectomy

Background

Hyperglycemia and hypocalcaemia have separately been attributed to adverse outcomes in critically ill patients. The study was aim determine whether hyperglycemia and hypocalcaemia together post-operative effect of thyroidectomy and evaluate the gender & age impact on the extend of clinical condition.

Methods

All the patients underwent thyroidectomy in the duration of 1^st Jan 2012 till 30^th June, 2013 in HPP and HUSM Kelantan, Malaysia. Serum evaluation has been made on 4 consecutive reading with duration of 6 hours. The predictive trend has been established to identify the hypokalemic and hyperglycemic condition. Ethical approvals & Patients’ consent forms have been made prior to conduct this study.

Results

The incidence of hyperglycemia [≥ 150 mg/dl(8.3 mmol/L)] and hypocalcaemia (serum calcium < 8.5 mg/dl (2.2 mmol/L)] were 39.4% and 43.9% respectively. Hyperglycemia and hypocalcaemia associated with age and length of stay, significant association has been found among pre-operative diagnosis as well. The interaction of hyperglycemia and hypocalcaemia did not separate effects on mortality.

Conclusion

As demonstrated, the prevalence of hyperglycemia and hypocalcaemia in post-thyroidectomy patients is considerable high. Also, the linear association pattern has been shown. However, considering the disease severity, the association of hyperglycemia and hypocalcaemia with surgical ward indicators of morbidity could not be verified.

An intact parathyroid hormone-based protocol for the prevention and treatment of symptomatic hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy

BACKGROUND

Symptomatic (SX) hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy is a barrier to same day surgery and the cause of emergency room visits. A standard protocol of calcium and vitamin D supplementation, dependent on intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels, can address this issue. How effective is it? When does it fail?

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of the prospective Thyroid database from January 2006 to December 2010. Six hundred twenty patients underwent completion thyroidectomy or total thyroidectomy and followed our postoperative protocol of calcium carbonate administration for iPTH levels ≥10 pg/mL and calcium carbonate and 0.25 μg calcitriol twice a day for iPTH <10 pg/mL. Calcium and iPTH values, pathology, and medication were compared to evaluate protocol efficacy. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Using the protocol, sixty-one (10.2%) patients were chemically hypocalcemic but never developed symptoms and 24 (3.9%) patients developed breakthrough SX hypocalcemia. The SX and asymptomatic groups were similar with regard to gender, cancer diagnosis, and preoperative calcium and iPTH. The SX group was significantly younger (39.6 ± 2.8 versus 49 ± 0.6 y, P = 0.01), with lower postoperative iPTH levels. Thirty-three percent (n = 8) of SX patients had an iPTH ≤5 pg/mL versus only 6% (n = 37) of ASX patients. Although the majority of patients with a iPTH ≤5 pg/mL were asymptomatic, 62.5% (n = 5) of SX patients with iPTH levels ≤5 pg/mL required an increase in calcitriol dose to achieve both biochemical correction and symptom relief.

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic calcium and vitamin D supplementation based on postoperative iPTH levels can minimize SX hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy. An iPTH ≤5 pg/mL may warrant higher initial doses of calcitriol to prevent symptoms.

Randomized controlled trial of alfacalcidol supplementation for the reduction of hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of perioperative alfacalcidol on postoperative hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy.

METHODS

A total of 219 patients scheduled for total thyroidectomy were randomized into groups not receiving (group A) or receiving (group B) perioperative alfacalcidol. Postoperative hypocalcemia was compared between groups on postoperative day (POD) 1 and POD2. Patients with hypocalcemia (<2.00 mmol/L) received oral calcium supplementation. Calcium and vitamin D levels were measured at 5-week and 6-month follow-ups.

RESULTS

The incidence of symptomatic hypocalcemia was significantly lower in group A (P = .02), whereas similarly low levels of calcemia were observed in both groups on POD1 (37% and 30%, respectively; P = not significant) and persisted on POD2 (14% and 6%, respectively; P = not significant). Patients with severe hypocalcemia (<1.90 mmol/L) showed faster recovery in group A compared with group B (6% vs 1%, P = .04). At 5 weeks, calcium and vitamin D levels were similar between the groups. Six months after surgery, 4% (group A) versus 0% (group B) of subjects exhibited permanent hypoparathyroidism (P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the treatment did not correct vitamin D deficiency, perioperative alfacalcidol uptake resulted in decreased transient hypocalcemia and related symptoms in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy.

Role of postoperative vitamin D and/or calcium routine supplementation in preventing hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Transient hypocalcemia is a frequent complication after total thyroidectomy. Routine postoperative administration of vitamin D and calcium can reduce the incidence of symptomatic postoperative hypocalcemia. We performed a systematic review to assess the effectiveness of this intervention. The primary aim was to evaluate the efficacy of routine postoperative oral calcium and vitamin D supplementation in preventing symptomatic post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia. The second aim was to draw clear guidelines regarding prophylactic calcium and/or vitamin D therapy for patients after thyroidectomy.

METHODS

We identified randomized controlled trials comparing the administration of vitamin D or its metabolites to calcium or no treatment in adult patients after thyroidectomy. The search was performed in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Google Scholar, and Web of Knowledge databases. Patients with a history of previous neck surgery, calcium supplementation, or renal impairment were excluded.

RESULTS

Nine studies with 2,285 patients were included: 22 in the vitamin D group, 580 in the calcium group, 792 in the vitamin D and calcium group, and 891 in the no intervention group, with symptomatic hypocalcemia incidences of 4.6%, 14%, 14%, and 20.5%, respectively. Subcomparisons demonstrated that the incidences of postoperative hypocalcemia were 10.1% versus 18.8% for calcium versus no intervention and 6.8% versus 25.9% for vitamin D and calcium versus no intervention. The studies showed a significant range of variability in patients' characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant decrease in postoperative hypocalcemia was identified in patients who received routine supplementation of oral calcium or vitamin D. The incidence decreased even more with the combined administration of both supplements. Based on this analysis, we recommend oral calcium for all patients following thyroidectomy, with the addition of vitamin D for high-risk individuals.

How to optimize the economic viability of thyroid surgery in a French public hospital?

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Physicians in France have been asked to change their day-to-day medical practice to reduce overall costs. We examine ways to achieve this goal in thyroid surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We defined and implemented a clinical pathway to optimize the economic viability of thyroid surgery by increasing revenues and lowering expenses. An increase in revenue was achieved by decreasing patient length of stay (LOS) through the use of a fast-track rehabilitation protocol. Expenses were decreased by performing all pre-operative work-up in the out-patient setting and by decreasing costs in the operating room.

RESULTS

For 292 consecutive patients who underwent thyroidectomy, the average LOS has been decreased over time to a mean of 2.03 days in 2008; 96% of patients were discharged on the first postoperative day. These results were primarily achieved by using a fast-track rehabilitation clinical pathway, and no increase in postoperative morbidity was noted. Operating time was decreased by 20% through the use of a second surgical assistant and hemostatic scissors but this improvement did not translate into better daily utilization of the operating room.

CONCLUSION

The economic profitability of thyroid surgery is improved when mean LOS is reduced to 2 days through a fast-track protocol. Decreasing the duration of hospitalization was more effective than decreasing operative duration in controlling overall costs.