Can preoperative 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels predict transient hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy?

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Surgery

Background:

• Transient postoperative hypocalcemia is a frequent complication following total thyroidectomy.
• Existing evidence on metabolic factors influencing this complication is inconsistent.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between preoperative 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and the development of transient postoperative hypocalcemia.
• To determine if 25-hydroxyvitamin D status can aid in risk stratification for this complication.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 183 patients undergoing total thyroidectomy.
• Collection of data on demographics, renal function, preoperative 25-hydroxyvitamin D, calcium, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels.
• Statistical comparison between patients with and without hypocalcemia, and logistic regression analysis to identify predictors.

Main Results:

• Patients experiencing transient hypocalcemia had lower postoperative PTH levels and more frequently normal or deficient 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels.
• 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency was a significant predictor of transient postoperative hypocalcemia (OR=0.343, p=0.011).
• Higher preoperative PTH levels also predicted hypocalcemia (OR=1.011, p=0.041).

Conclusions:

• Preoperative 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are correlated with transient postoperative hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy.
• Assessing preoperative 25-hydroxyvitamin D status may allow for better risk stratification of patients susceptible to hypocalcemia.