Vitamin D Levels and Postoperative Hypocalcemia After Total Thyroidectomy

Preoperative Vitamin D Levels as a Prognostic Factor for Postoperative Hypocalcemia and Hypoparathyroidism After Total Thyroidectomy

Hypocalcemia is one of the most frequent complications of total thyroidectomy, a procedure used for benign as well as malignant conditions of the thyroid gland. Postoperative hypocalcemia is usually caused by hypoparathyroidism. Vitamin D is implicated in calcium metabolism as it increases intestinal calcium transport and regulates parathormone production. Aim of the present study is to evaluate preoperative vitamin D levels as a prognostic factor for postoperative hypocalcemia and hypoparathyroidism.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patient is over 18 years old
2. Patient scheduled for total thyroidectomy
3. Patient signs and dates a written informed consent form (ICF) and indicates an understanding of the study procedures

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Primary hyperparathyroidism
2. Primary hypoparathyroidism
3. Chronic Renal Failure
4. Hypoalbuminemia
5. Neck irradiation
6. Systematic Diseases (e.g., infections)
7. Thyroid or parathyroid cancer
8. Osteoporosis
9. Drugs that influence calcium metabolism (vitamin D analogues, oral calcium supplements, biphosphonates, teriparatide, thiazide diuretics)