Vitamin D3 Levels in Predicting Transient Hypocalcemia After Parathyroidectomy

Introduction Hypocalcemia following parathyroidectomy can often be problematic, requiring long-term follow-up. This complication can be permanent or transient. It most commonly occurs following head and neck surgery where there is accidental removal of the parathyroid gland or damage to the blood supply to the gland during dissection. This study aimed to predict transient hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism by evaluating preoperative vitamin D. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 82 patients that had undergone minimally invasive surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism. Data for patient demographics, histopathology, preoperative and postoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium levels and vitamin D levels were reviewed. Results The female to male ratio was 8.1:1 and the mean age was 56.4 ± 6.2. Preoperative vitamin D was normal in 47.6%, 39% had vitamin D deficiency and 13.4% had vitamin D insufficiency. Postoperatively, 23% has hypocalcemia and 10% had hypoparathyroidism. Postoperative median calcium levels were low in both the vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency groups but failed to show a significant association. Conclusion In our study, preoperative vitamin D levels failed to show an association between postoperative calcium and PTH levels.