Predictors of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia: a systematic and narrative review

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Hypocalcaemia is a frequent complication following total or completion thyroidectomy.
• Identifying predictive factors is crucial for patient management and prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent evidence on predictors of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia.
• To identify patients at higher risk for this complication.

Main Methods:

• Systematic search and narrative review of observational studies.
• Data extracted from January 2012 to August 2019.
• Included 63 studies with over 210,000 patients.

Main Results:

• Median incidence of transient biochemical hypocalcaemia was 27.5%, symptomatic 12.5%, and permanent 2.2%.
• Peri-operative parathyroid hormone levels were the most significant predictor.
• Concomitant neck dissection increased the risk of symptomatic and permanent hypocalcaemia.

Conclusions:

• Numerous factors influence post-thyroidectomy hypocalcaemia.
• This review synthesizes current evidence on these predictive factors.