Calcium Strategy Following Thyroidectomy
Investigators compare routine prophylaxis vs postoperative parathyroid hormone-guided supplementation.
A multicenter randomized clinical trial involving 258 patients evaluated the effectiveness of selective calcium and calcitriol (C+C) supplementation, guided by early postoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, compared to routine prophylactic supplementation following total thyroidectomy. Conducted in Colombia, the study found no significant difference in symptomatic or biochemical hypocalcemia rates between the two approaches. While the selective strategy reduced the need for postoperative supplementation, other clinical outcomes remained similar, highlighting the effectiveness of routine prophylaxis. The trial emphasized the need for further investigation into PTH-guided supplementation.
1. Study compared selective versus routine C+C supplementation post-thyroidectomy.2. No difference in symptomatic hypocalcemia rates.3. Selective strategy required less postoperative supplementation.4. Study involved 258 patients across 3 hospitals.5. Early PTH demonstrated good sensitivity for predicting hypocalcemia.
