A "safe and effective" protocol for management of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

This study evaluates the outcomes of a protocol to manage hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy (TTX).

METHODS:

A review of prospectively collected data was performed in 130 patients who underwent TTX after the introduction of a specific protocol. These patients were compared with a control group of 195 patients who underwent TTX the year prior when routine calcium supplementation was utilized and no specific protocol was used.

RESULTS:

Of the 120 patients in whom the protocol was followed, 44 (37%) patients were classified as high risk, 15 (13%) intermediate risk, and 61 (51%) low risk. The protocol had a sensitivity of 85% and a negative predictive value of 92% for predicting subsequent hypocalcemia. With the implementation of the protocol, there was significant reduction in temporary hypocalcemia events (P = .008) and intravenous calcium drip (P = .49). Also, calcium supplementation was significantly lower in the protocol group (P ≤ .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

This hypocalcemia protocol identifies patients who do not require additional supplementation and additional monitoring. At the same time, it identifies those who will benefit from supplementation after TTX.

• Authors: Maria B Albuja-Cruz, Nikita Pozdeyev, Steven Robbins, Radhika Chandramouli, Christopher D Raeburn, Joshua Klopper, Bryan R Haugen, Robert McIntyre Jr
• Journal: American journal of surgery (Am J Surg) Vol. 210 Issue 6 Pg. 1162-8; discussion 1168-9 (Dec 2015) ISSN: 1879-1883 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 26601651 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Calcium

Topics

• Calcium (therapeutic use)
• Case-Control Studies
• Female
• Humans
• Hypocalcemia (drug therapy)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Postoperative Complications (drug therapy)
• Prospective Studies
• Risk Assessment
• Thyroidectomy
• Treatment Outcome