Hypomagnesemia predicts postoperative biochemical hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Biochemistry
• Surgical Patient Management

Background:

• Hypocalcemia is a common complication following thyroidectomy.
• The role of magnesium in hypocalcemia requires further elucidation.
• Understanding risk factors for hypocalcemia is crucial for patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between magnesium levels and hypocalcemia.
• To identify independent risk factors for both biochemical and symptomatic hypocalcemia post-thyroidectomy.
• To explore the relationship between calcium, magnesium, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 304 thyroidectomy patients (excluding less-than-total thyroidectomy).
• Logistic regression to identify risk factors for biochemical hypocalcemia.
• Correlation tests to assess the relationship between calcium and magnesium.
• Analysis of risk factors for symptomatic hypocalcemia, including PTH levels.

Main Results:

• The incidence of hypomagnesemia was 23.36%.
• Female gender and postoperative hypomagnesemia were independent risk factors for biochemical hypocalcemia.
• A significant correlation was observed between calcium and magnesium levels.
• Reduced intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels and hypocalcemia were risk factors for symptomatic hypocalcemia, persisting even in normoparathyroidism.

Conclusions:

• Postoperative hypomagnesemia is an independent predictor of biochemical hypocalcemia.
• A relative decrease in iPTH is the predominant factor in predicting symptomatic hypocalcemia.